Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery – Jimmy & Wes: The Dynamic Duo: Verve Vault Series (180g Vinyl LP)

Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery’s Jimmy & Wes: The Dynamic Duo Reissued for the Verve Vault Series: Newly Mastered from the Original Analog Tapes and Pressed at Optimal in Germany.

Released in 1966 on Verve Records, Jimmy & Wes (The Dynamic Duo), captures the only full-length studio collaboration between organist Jimmy Smith and guitarist Wes Montgomery. Produced by Creed Taylor and arranged by Oliver Nelson, Jimmy & Wes brought together two of jazz’s most distinctive voices in an expansive big band setting. Recorded over three days in September 1966 at Rudy Van Gelder’s Englewood Cliffs studio, the sessions featured a brass and reed-heavy ensemble and a top-tier rhythm section with drummer Grady Tate and bassist Richard Davis. Montgomery’s melodic guitar lines and Smith’s fiery organ grooves find a vibrant setting in Nelson’s tight, punchy arrangements — rich in harmonic color and rhythmic drive. The result is a rare meeting of two jazz giants, captured during a period of broad popular success, with the added presence of one of the era’s most accomplished arrangers.

The Verve Vault Series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Musicians:
Wes Montgomery – Guitar
Jimmy Smith – Organ
Bob Ashton – Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Danny Bank – Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute
Ray Barretto – Percussion
Jimmy Cleveland – Trombone
Richard Davis – Bass
Jerry Dodgion – Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute
Richard Hixon – Trombone
Quentin Jackson – Trombone
Melba Liston – Trombone
Tony Studd – Bass Trombone
Jimmy Maxwell – Trumpet
Joe Newman – Trumpet
Jerome Richardson – Tenor Flute, Alto Flute, Clarinet
Ernie Royal – Trumpet
Grady Tate – Drums
Clark Terry – Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Phil Woods – Saxophone, Clarinet

Side A:

1. Down By The Riverside
2. Night Train

Side B:

1. James And Wes
2. 13 (Death March)
3. Baby, It’s Cold Outside