Wes Montgomery
Electric Bass Solo on
Body And Soul

About

Taking the 2nd solo, this electric bass improvisation spans one chorus of the 32-bar AABA form at an uptempo 217 BPM. Montgomery follows with a chorus on electric guitar, navigating the tune's sophisticated harmonies, including its famous modulation to D major in the bridge, with fluid assurance. Montgomery takes the unusual step of soloing on electric bass, demonstrating the instrument's capacity for melodic improvisation beyond its typical accompaniment role. Situated between James Clay's flute solo and Victor Feldman's turn on piano, it occupies a pivotal spot in the arrangement.

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