In Our Own Sweet Way: Honoring the Artistic Legacy of Wes Montgomery

LegacyPerformance

May 13

Wes Montgomery at 100 Event

In this year of what would have been Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday, the collaborative program In Our Own Sweet Way: Honoring the Artistic Legacy of Wes Montgomery was presented at The Cabaret by Links Creative Alliance, Inc. in partnership with The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation on May 13, 2023.

The evening celebrated the legacy and music of Wes Montgomery, recognized around the world as one of the greatest guitarists of all time who lived, worked, and played most of his entire career in Indianapolis.

Spoken Word Poetry, Vocalese, Jazz

The newly created performance offered spoken word poetry, vocalese, and live jazz all centered around the music and life of Montgomery. Wes’ son Robert Montgomery opened with a few reflections about his dad as the stage filled with spoken word artists Manon Voice, Cabaret Artist in Residence, Lasana Kazembe, and vocalist, Bashiri Asad, Music was performed by the Indianapolis Jazz Collective of Rob Dixon (sax), Steve Allee (piano), Nick Tucker (bass) and Kenny Phelps (drums). Internationally renowned guitarist, Bobby Broom, was featured to bring the technique and famous sound of Wes Montgomery to the stage.

The setlist included Montgomery staples “Four On Six” and “Road Song” along with Thelonious Monk favorites “Round Midnight” and “Straight, No Chaser”, “Besame Mucho,” and “Nica’s Dream” by Horace Silver.

Opening this event was the All City Jazz Combo - a quartet of four local high school jazz musicians from Arsenal Tech, Crispus Attucks, and George Washington High School - accompanied by Steve Allee on piano. It was a very special night beginning with the future of jazz and these young musicians to the amazing artists who worked together to create a celebration of the music and living memory of one of the true pioneers and innovators of modern jazz.