Wes Montgomery's last album for Verve (other than an exciting collaboration with Jimmy Smith) is a so-so orchestral date featuring arrangements by Don Sebesky. The material (which includes "Sunny" and "California Dreaming") is strictly pop fluff of the era and the great guitarist has little opportunity to do much other than state the melody in his trademark octaves. This record was perfect for AM radio of the period. - by Scott Yanow, AMG
Artist: Wes Montgomery
Album: California Dreaming
Year: 1966
Label: Verve (1996)
Total time: 35:53
Tracks:
1. California Dreaming (John Phillips) 3:08
2. Sun Down (Wes Montgomery) 6:03
3. Oh You Crazy Moon (Johnny Burke/James Van Heusen) 3:44
4. More, More, Amor (Sol Lake) 2:54
5. Without You (Rinaldo Marino/Walter Myers) 3:05
6. Winds Of Barcelona (Sol Lake) 3:07
7. Sunny (Bobby Hebb) 4:04
8. Green Papers (Sol Lake) 2:56
9. Mr. Walker (Wes Montgomery) 3:39
10. South Of The Border (Michael Carr/Jimmy Kennedy) 3:13
Personnel:
Wes Montgomery (Guitar)
Mel Davis (Trumpet)
Bernie Glow (Trumpet)
James Nottingham (Trumpet)
Wayne Andre (Trombone)
John Messner (Trombone)
Bill Watrous (Trombone)
Don Butterfield (Tuba)
Ray Beckenstein (Alto Saxophone and Flute, Piccolo)
Stan Webb (Alto and Baritone Saxophone, English Horn, Clarinet)
James Buffington (French Horn)
Herbie Hancock (Piano)
Al Casamenti (Guitar)
Bucky Pizzarelli (Guitar)
Jack Jennings (Vibraphone, Castanets, Scratcher)
Richard Davis (Double Bass)
Grady Tate (Drums)
Ray Barretto (Percussion)