See Also: Montgomery (of Alamein), Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount(encyclopedia)
Montgomery(tourism)
Montgomery(dictionary)
Montgomery, L.M.(dictionary)
Montgomery(encyclopedia)
Montgomery, Wes(encyclopedia)
Montgomery, L(ucy) M(aud)(encyclopedia)
Montgomery(dictionary)
Montgomery(medicine)
Montgomery's follicles(medicine)

Montgomery, Wes (sh)




orig. John Leslie Montgomery

born March 6, 1923/25, Indianapolis, Ind., U.S.
died June 15, 1968, Indianapolis

U.S. jazz guitarist.

He began playing guitar in his teens, and his principal early inspiration was the late-swing guitarist Charlie Christian. Montgomery was a member of Lionel Hampton's band (1948-50) before forming a small group with his brothers. His finest recordings are small-group efforts made after 1959, although he achieved commercial success using accompanying orchestras in the 1960s. His unconventional technique, using his thumb rather than a plectrum, made possible his frequent use of octaves and chords in solos. He was probably the most influential guitar improviser in modern jazz.