Wes Montgomery
Electric Bass Solo on
Tune Up

About

Opening the solo section, this electric bass improvisation spans seven choruses of the 16-bar form at a blazing 253 BPM. Montgomery's extended solo on this track is a prime example of why he is widely regarded as the greatest jazz guitarist of all time, combining technical mastery with an unerring sense of musical logic and emotional communication. Montgomery takes the unusual step of soloing on electric bass, demonstrating the instrument's capacity for melodic improvisation beyond its typical accompaniment role. Following this solo, James Clay takes over on flute.

Wes Montgomery was 36 to 37 years old at the time.