william howard montgomery(October 10, 1921 – May 20, 1982) was an Americanjazz bassistIt is. hePioneer of electric bass guitarand participated in the 1953 session.the first person to record the performance of this instrumentThere is a possibility that it is. This session was released on The Art Farmer Septet. he is a jazz guitaristBrothers Wes Montgomery and vibraphonist Buddy MontgomeryIt is.
Born into a musical family in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States, Monk had three brothers and one sister. His older brother Thomas played drums and died at the age of 16. Monk is my brotherwes(1923-1968), was given a tenor guitar when he was 11 or 12 years old. the youngestbuddy(1930-2009) played the piano and later took up the vibraphone. sister’sElbena(Lena) also played the piano. Monk himself didn’t start playing the double bass until he was 30, after hearing Wes’ group play. the three brothersmontgomery brothersThey have released several albums as “Wes” and played together on albums under his own name.
In addition, Buddy and Monk are their group,master soundsWe recorded many albums together. Montgomery is probably the best in the jazz world.first important electric bassistIn 1952 or 1953roy johnsonon behalf ofLionel Hampton・Join the orchestrafender precision bassI got it.
Who has influenced you the most as a bassist?Jimmy Blanton, Ray Brown, Charles MingusThat’s what he says. Monk played electric bass with his thumb (his brother Wes also played electric guitar with his thumb);Adapted jazz performance from double bass to electric。
In the 1960s, he picked up a Fender jazz bass,played with felt picksdid. His professional career did not begin until he was 30 years old. His professional career started after his younger brother, Wes. Montgomery worked in a foundry and gave nightly upright bass concerts in Indianapolis. Wes was a vibraphonist from 1948 to 1950.Lionel HamptonMonk then worked for Hampton around 1952-1953, but Hampton insisted on playing a Fender bass rather than an upright.
Montgomery on July 2, 1953.art farmer・Septet recordingquincy jonesProbably in the arrangement ofThis is one of the earliest studio recordings of electric bass, demonstrating his skill with walking bass lines, bebop melodies, and Latin-inspired ostinatos.。Chuck Raineystated that Monk was the first electric bassist to record in any genre.
A live recording may exist, made by Montgomery with the Hampton Orchestra in April 1953.There may have been people in other genres of music in the studio before me, but I don’t know of them… As far as I know, I was the first to record electric bass in jazz. Only. — Monk Montgomery, Guitar Player, September 1977, The Guitar Player Book,1979, Bass Heroes, 1993 reprint
Monk toured and recorded in Europe with Hampton in late 1953. Then in Los AngelesAnthony Ortega・Worked briefly with a quartet, then moved to Indianapolis with his brothers.Montgomery-Johnson Quintet (Alonzo “Pookie” Johnson played saxophone and Robert “Sonny” Johnson played drums. In 1955, Montgomery moved to Seattle, where he lived from 1957 to 1960.master soundswas formed. The Montgomery brothers reunited and produced a series of albums in 1961.
In 1964 and 1965, Montgomeryjazz crusadersmembers of that band produced and performed on his first two solo albums. Then, from 1966 to 1970, he became a vibraphonist.Cal TjaderShe worked as a freelancer and settled in Las Vegas, Nevada.red novo trioHe continued to perform with the band until 1972.
From 1969 to 1974, Montgomery4 solo albumswas released. In 1970, he joined the South African trumpet player in Los Angeles.Hugh Masekelaand recorded. In 1974, Montgomery joined the singer’sLovelace Watkinstoured South Africa with groups including and released his final solo album in Soweto.「Monk Montgomery in Africa…Live!」was recorded.
In 1976, heBenny Carter, George Russell, Muhal Richard AbramsHe was a member of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Advisory Committee. In 1977, he helped organize the first Maseru Music Festival in Lesotho.Dizzy Gillespie, Rutgers University students and staff, and local musiciansappeared.
In his later years, Montgomery founded theLas Vegas Jazz AssociationHe also worked as a host on a local radio show. He was also planning the World Jazz Festival. In 1981, he became the first president of the Western Jazz Federation.
Montgomery died of cancer on May 20, 1982 in Las Vegas. He is survived by his wife, Amelia, three sons, and four stepchildren. 2003, Detroit musician,andresis his eponymous album, featuring Montgomery’s songs.“Reality”sampled.
The world’s first recording with the electric bass – Art Farmer’s ‘Mau-Mau’ (1953)
Monk Montgomery ~ Reality
Monk Montgomery – Foxy Gypsy
Jazz Showcase Introducing The Mastersounds (1957)
The Montgomery Brothers – just for now
Windy
The Montgomery Brothers – Groove Yard
Remember ~ The Montgomery Brothers
Monk Montgomery – Your Love
Monk Montgomery – Girl Talk
What are some notable recordings or performances that highlight the evolution of the bass guitar in jazz?
1. Can you tell me about the history of bass guitar and its introduction in jazz music?
2. What do you think was the impact of the electric bass on jazz music production and performance?
3. How did Monk Montgomery contribute to the development of jazz bass and the popularization of electric bass?
4. What was it like to perform with the Montgomery Brothers, and how did they influence each other musically?
5. In your opinion, what are some of the key differences between playing acoustic and electric bass in a jazz ensemble?
6. Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your time recording and touring with Monk Montgomery?
7. How did jazz bass evolve during the 1950s and 1960s, and what role did Monk Montgomery play in that evolution?
8. What advice would you give to aspiring jazz bassists who want to incorporate electric bass into their playing style?
9. How did you transition from playing acoustic to electric bass, and what were some of the challenges you faced along the way?
10. In your opinion, what current jazz bassists are pushing the boundaries of the instrument and incorporating new techniques or styles into their playing?
