Jazz Guitarist Russell Malone and the Indianapolis Jazz Collective Play a Tribute to Wes Montgomery
Indy Jazz Fest 2023
Jazz guitarist Russell Malone and the acclaimed Indianapolis Jazz Collective played to a packed house at The Jazz Kitchen as Indy Jazz Fest heads into its final performances, culminating in the grand finale at TCU Amphitheater on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Indianapolis Legend Wes Montgomery’s 100th Birthday
On this year of what would have been famed guitarist Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday, Malone is one of the best to pay tribute to Indianapolis’ own legend. There have been many tributes this year to Montgomery, but this night had to be at the top of my list.
Malone, an internationally recognized guitarist, is spectacular in his own right. When you add in the Indianapolis Jazz Collective of Steve Allee on piano, Rob Dixon on sax, Kenny Phelps on drums, and NY bassist George DeLancey it is difficult to imagine a quintet any better. There were two sets that night, but clearly, the band was not ready to give up the stage, as the second set continued for two and a half hours with a welcome audience cheering them on. It was one for the books.
All Wes Montgomery Music
And the music was all Wes – including a few of the legacy tunes we all recognize but also spanning his career with some of the more contemporary music of his later years. Opening with “Full House,” which Montgomery recorded with Johnny Griffin, the setlist included “Unit 7” from the album Smokin’ at the Half Note, “Serene” written for Montgomery’s wife, “West Coast Blues,” “Fried Pies,” and “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.” The more contemporary numbers included “Tequilla,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” and “When A Man Loves a Woman.” Each set ended with the fiery and fast “Caravan” by Duke Ellington. As that long second set ended, Malone took a few rock and roll riffs out of his bag of tricks – and yes, that man can plan them all.
Indy Jazz Midwest Mini Tour!
Indy Jazz Fest decided to offer a sampling of its talents this year by taking this group on the road to Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio. The objective was not only to spread the legacy of Wes Montgomery but also to showcase the Indianapolis Jazz Collective and share Russell Malone with the jazz audiences in our neighboring cities.
If you were there last night, you would have to agree. What a night. What a band.
For more on the artist and festival, click below.
*Photographer Mark Sheldon is on the Board of Directors of The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, which produces Indy Jazz Fest.
Russell Malone ©2023 Mark Sheldon
