Wes Montgomery was one of the most unique and pivotal voices jazz guitar has ever known; and when he wanted to expand his creativity beyond the trio or quartet setting, his often time producer Creed Taylor called upon arrangers and conductors such as Oliver Nelson, Don Sebesky, Johnny Pate or Claus Ogerman to sweeten the pot. You can imagine, to pay tribute to this sound requires a vision and a whole lot of talent.
Bobby Broom helped to launch the Smooth Jazz radio format with Clean Sweep, his first album in 1981.
But his ears were always attentive to Wes Montgomery, who he discovered through George Benson.
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra's inception was created by Jeff Lindberg as The Jazz Members Big Band, in 1978. Over the decades, the CJO has collaborated with special guests, from Quincy Jones, to Stevie Wonder, to Kurt Elling, and now Bobby Broom.
On this outstanding collection of tunes dear to Wes, the CJO merging with Broom's imaginative solos solidifies the creativity of Wes Montgomery with the Windy City's celebrated large ensemble.
Listen each weekday at 8:20am for a track from this engaging new release!
