Wynton Kelly Trio and Wes Montgomery - Smokin' At The Half Note

Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound

"Widely considered one of Wes Montgomery's best sessions, and by some, one of the best jazz guitar recordings of all time, Smokin' was an easy choice to include in Analogue Productions Verve series. ... this new mastering from the late George Marino at Sterling Sound cleans up the sound as never before. ... this is an essential performance, in the best-sounding version available." —Recording = 8.5/10; Music = 10/10 — Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi +, Issue 103  

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award - Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011

180-gram 45 RPM double LP

A Tremendously Important Historic Jazz Record That Pairs Guitar Virtuoso Wes Montgomery With Miles Davis' Rhythm Section - Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb

This is timeless music that has inspired innumerable jazz guitarists and aficionados. In fact, jazz guitar great Pat Metheny has said, "I learned to play listening to Wes Montgomery's Smokin' At The Half Note." Metheny additionally said that the solo on "If You Could See Me Now" is his favorite of all time.

This legendary session was recorded at a New York nightclub. It captures Montgomery at the height of his improvisational powers. Many consider it the best performance on record by one of the most inventive guitarists in jazz history.

Highlights include the Miles Davis opener, "No Blues" and the following track, Tadd Dameron's "If You Could See Me Now." And the album's versions of "Unit 7" and "Four On Six" have helped to establish these songs as jazz standards.

Wynton Kelly, piano
Wes Montgomery, guitar
Paul Chambers, bass
Jimmy Cobb, drums

play pause	1. No Blues
play pause	2. If You Could See Me Now
play pause	3. Unit 7
play pause	4. Four On Six
play pause	5. What's New

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 7 person(s) rated this product.

Extraordinary posted on 04/29/2021 5 Stars Reviewer: Brian VanPelt Outside of a few clicks in one or two places, there is no noise - silence. The performance is wild and interesting - when one performer solos, the others actually play quieter to allow the soloist to be heard clearly. It is always easy to point out the positions of the individual musicians. Wes Montgomery occupied my left speaker, and his solos are just phenomenal. He did something so difficult-sounding that I crooked my head like a dog, confused that someone could play like that. On top of that, his guitar-playing sounded like it was in my room. The drummer occupied the right speaker and those drums were crisp and clean sounding. They sounded somewhat in the room with me. Farther back was the pianist. He was not as clear as the others because he sat in the back, centered. Although, during solos, he was easily heard and the piano sounded just right. The bass player seemed to be back around the pianist. Overall, the sound is amazing, and the audience caus

Stunning! posted on 03/04/2021 5 Stars Reviewer: Paul Hovenga After hearing this and being blown away by the digital version prior, I just could not believe how much music the digital was missing compared to this double 45. A fantastic reissue and a must have!! One of the most intimate sounding recordings I have ever heard.

Great music, Wonderful sound posted on 01/09/2018 5 Stars Reviewer: Gary M. The music is special and the recording is fantastic. Dead silent vinyl, great sound stage, separation is perfect, every instrument in its place on the stage and clear. Amazing for a live recording. Felt like I had a center table at the club !

Incredible!! posted on 06/22/2016 5 Stars Reviewer: TK One of my favorite records and the sound quality is unbelievable! If you ever wanted that record that sounds like you are in the club....this is it! Wes is at his best!

Wes at his best posted on 09/26/2013 5 Stars Reviewer: Lou I've been waiting for this one for years. I own a pristine 1st pressing and have enjoyed it for years but the detail and resolution on MM release is amazing considering its a live venue. While everyone raves about Unit 7, to me, No Blues is the killer track. Wes's mastery at playing octaves is nothing short of brilliant. If you're a fan of jazz guitar, or for that matter jazz in general this is a must have.

All the way around top of the line. posted on 08/03/2013 5 Stars Reviewer: SS Way to go AP. The sound quality and pressings are top notch as always but the gatefold cover is first class too. Music Matters has always done a beautiful job with their covers and it's a great to see you step up and match the MM covers. Keep them coming.

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