"So Do It!" is a Wes Montgomery original from his 1960 album Movin' Along on Riverside Records. The composition uses an unusual AABAC form spanning 40 bars in the key of G, taken at a medium-up tempo of around 195 beats per minute. This extended form structure reflects Montgomery's ambition as a composer, creating frameworks that went beyond standard 32-bar formats. Montgomery opens the solo section with two engaging choruses on electric guitar, his warm thumb-plucked tone and inventive melodic ideas showcasing the creative fluency that made him the most important jazz guitarist of his era. James Clay follows on tenor saxophone for one chorus, his switch from flute to saxophone bringing a harder-edged sound to the proceedings. Pianist Victor Feldman contributes a polished chorus, and bassist Sam Jones closes the solo section with an abbreviated statement over part of the form. The four-soloist format gives the performance a jam-session energy while the unusual form keeps the improvisers on their toes. Montgomery's original compositions from this period deserve recognition alongside his celebrated interpretations of standards, as they demonstrate a sophisticated compositional mind at work. "So Do It!" is a swinging, joyful performance that captures the camaraderie and creative spirit of this excellent band.
