WYNTON KELLY TRIO - SMOKIN' AT THE HALF NOTE (HYBRID SACD)

Wynton Kelly Trio Smokin' At The Half Note On Hybrid SACD

An American jazz critic once said that Wes Montgomery was the "best thing that could happen to a guitar." The very first number on this album, which despite its tongue-in-cheek title "No Blues" is full of the spirit of black jazz, makes plain Montgomery's unique talents. Highly-polished arching melodies, sharply-dissonant chordal runs and free improvisation displaying brilliant technique are the characteristics of this wizard of the "semi-acoustic" guitar.

The quartet's thrilling mixture of blues, latin and soul is as fresh, modern and compelling as it was over 30 years ago. This is music which gets down to the nitty-gritty, is always cool and straight with no fuss or frills getting in the way: the message comes over clearly and it makes the blood surge through one's veins! The almost tangible atmosphere of the recording venue and the pure sound quality further enhance this collector's item and guarantees a jazz happening of the very highest order.