Buddy Montgomery Albums (7)
'Day in the Life'
Release Date 2/21/2001
Tracks 11
Label Pony Canyon Records (Japan)
See Album Tracklist and Review
'A Love Affair in Paris'
Release Date 1/1/2000
Tracks 10
Label Space Time
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Buddy Montgomery was 70 when he recorded A Love Affair in Paris for Space Time Records (a French label) in 2000. At that point, the veteran pianist/vibist was the only living Montgomery brother -- guitarist Wes Montgomery had died in 1967 and bassist Monk Montgomery had died in 1982. Regrettably, Buddy Montgomery's catalog wasn't nearly as large as it should have been, and the arrival of this French release in the early 2000s was good news for those who felt that he should have been doing a lot more recording. Buddy Montgomery plays mostly vibes on A Love Affair in Paris; only two of the ten selections ("An Affair to Remember" and Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Once I Loved") find him playing acoustic piano. So on 80 percent of this bop-oriented CD, the lineup consists of Montgomery on vibes, Donald Brown on piano, Robert Hurst on bass, Lenny White on drums, and Anga Diaz on percussion. Showing a strong Milt Jackson influence but always his own person, Montgomery is in good form on some overdone standards (including "I Hear a Rhapsody" and "Speak Low") as well as original pieces like "Waterfall," "Ruffin' It," and "Irregardless." White proves to be an asset throughout the album, which is primarily a studio effort but contains three live tracks. Although White has strong fusion and funk credentials -- he was a member of Chick Corea's Return to Forever in the '70s and had a funk band called Twennynine -- he has no problem backing Montgomery in a hard bop setting. In fact, White's playing on this French release explodes the silly myth that embracing fusion, rock, or funk automatically renders a musician incapable of playing straight-ahead jazz. Although not quite essential, A Love Affair in Paris is a solid album that Montgomery's admirers will enjoy. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Since achieving major success in the 1960s with the Montgomery Brothers band, and (along with brother Monk on bass) backing brother Wes on some of the guitar great's most popular albums, Buddy Montgomery has been heard from only occasionally. This trio album on Sharp Nine shows him still in fine form both as a composer and gently swinging pianist. If the album has one weakness, it is the relative sameness of the compositions and tempos. Even the usually uptempo chestnut "That Old Black Magic" is transformed here into an almost unrecognizable slow ballad. Still, with solid backing from bassist Jeff Chambers and drummer Ray Appleton, Montgomery has made a fine album of quiet, soulful piano music. ~ Joel Roberts, All Music Guide
'Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Vol. 15'
Release Date 1/20/1992
Tracks 13
Label Concord
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The sole surviving musical Montgomery brother goes it alone for the microphones at Maybeck, demonstrating that he has more than enough of the solid musicianship and abundant technique that seems to go with the territory in this series...The usual blend of idioms -- bop-based with frequent immersions in earlier styles, mostly stride and classical derivations -- are lavished upon a collection of standards; "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" has an intriguing alternate re-harmonization of the tune. However, it is Montgomery's own tunes, "Who Cares" and "Money Blues," that deliver something resembling a personal signature, getting into some down-home bluesy rhetoric. Of course everything is superbly recorded. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
By 1986, Buddy Montgomery had not recorded as a leader for many years, and because he is so well-respected, his first Landmark outing became quite an all-star affair. Heard mostly on piano but also switching to vibes for two songs, Montgomery is joined on various tracks by trumpeter Claudio Roditi, David "Fathead" Newman on tenor and flute, guitarist Ted Dunbar, bassists Ron Carter and John Heard, drummers Marvin "Smitty" Smith and Billy Higgins, and a couple of percussionists. In addition, tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris jams on "Stablemates" and "Ties," and Marlena Shaw takes vocals on "Ties" and "All the Things You Are." Despite all of the guests, the leader (who contributed five of the eight songs) does not get buried in the proceedings and holds his own with his friends. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
There is a lot of variety on this outing by Buddy Montgomery. The first four selections find him playing synthesizer with a fair amount of personality; Montgomery also doubles on vibes during "Waterfall" and acoustic piano on "So Why Not." Those numbers also include tenor saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, a solid rhythm section, and guest spots for trumpeter Warren Gale and guitarist Jim Nichols. However, Montgomery is best showcased on the final four pieces, mostly acoustic trio selections with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Ralph Penland. Percussionists are added to "Budini" (one of five of the leader's originals on the date), while "My Funny Valentine" finds Montgomery playing vibes and synth. All in all, this is a well-conceived and consistently intriguing straight-ahead outing by the underrated Buddy Montgomery. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
