Mimi Fox and the Indianapolis Jazz Collective Celebrate Wes Montgomery
Celebrating the Legacy of Wes Montgomery
In this year that would mark Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday, the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the legacy and talents of Wes Montgomery. Throughout the year and during Indy Jazz Fest in September, concerts and events honor the jazz guitarist - regarded as the greatest jazz guitarist of all time.
Internationally renowned guitarist/composer/recording artist Mimi Fox joined the Indianapolis Jazz Collective featuring Rob Dixon (sax), Steve Allee (piano), Greg Artry (drums), and Nick Tucker (bass) in celebration of Wes for sold-out shows at the Jazz Kitchen March 11, 2023.
Honoring Wes Montgomery
As one of the most eloquent guitarists on today's scene and a friend to Robert Montgomery, Wes’s youngest son, Fox was thrilled to join the Collective this night. Fox performed music she has written as well as arrangements of Montgomery's famous compositions to honor and recognize the influence Wes Montgomery has had and will continue to bring to guitarists everywhere.
Fox’s latest CD and project, titled One for Wes, was the impetus for the music this night, including “Mr. White’s Blues,” “Moanin’,” a tune by Bobby Timmons, “Blues for Les,” and “Pack of Lies.” While “For Django, Avec Amor” paid homage to Django Reinhardt, the night really did belong to Wes as Fox delivered a guitar solo mash-up of Montgomery’s “Four on Six” and the Beatles’ “Blackbird.”
The video documentation of this concert was filmed and edited by Brandon Pearce Vaughn.
Combining an International Jazz Master with Talented Local Musicians
Indianapolis Jazz Foundation’s presentation of the Indianapolis Jazz Collective series is a proven winner and must-attend event, combining an international jazz master with Indy’s own stellar musicians. As so many have learned, tonight was no exception.
As the year progresses, there will be many more opportunities to enjoy the legacy of Indy’s own Wes Montgomery. Come on out and join the celebration.
All photographs ©2023 Mark Sheldon
Instrgram @marksheldonpix
