The NDR Hamburg Studio Recordings

Description

When Wes Montgomery traveled to Hamburg from London in April 1965, he was likely accompanied by saxophonist Ronnie Scott, with whom the guitarist had played just a few days earlier, pianist Stan Tracey, bassist Rick Laird, and drummer Ronnie Stephenson. It is very likely that the last of the musicians we just mentioned was also on the flight to Hamburg – at that time, Stephenson was almost the go-to drummer for the NDR Bigband (which was still called "Studioband" back then). Undoubtedly, the four men traveled together. Ronnie Ross, another saxophonist coming straight from England, was also part of the trip for this very special concert on April 30, 1965, in Hamburg. Joining this unique performance were Martial Solal and Michel Gaudry, who came straight from Paris. The European concerts, particularly the one with the NDR-Jazzworkshop on April 30, 1965, in Hamburg, remain among the best memories that Wes Montgomery has of himself and the great art he so beautifully created.