Bumpin'

by Markus Langemann//

Wes Montgomery's "Bumpin'", released in 1965, not only occupies an important place among his other works in the discography of this legendary jazz guitarist, but also summarizes something very important in terms of the development of jazz. A vibrant listening experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz with great elegance, "Bumpin'" builds a bridge to more contemporary musicians at a time of great political and social change. In the following review, I briefly introduce you to the album in the context of the sixties and sensitize you to Montgomery's influential impact on artists like George Benson.

The cultural and political context of 1965 was characterized by profound changes and upheavals worldwide, which influenced both the music industry and society as a whole. Wes Montgomery's album "Bumpin'" was therefore released at a time when jazz served not only as a musical genre, but also as a means of expressing social and political commentary.

In the United States, 1965 was a turning point in the civil rights movement. The Voting Rights Act was passed, a decisive step towards guaranteeing African Americans the right to vote, which permanently changed the American political landscape. These events were also reflected in music, which played an important role in the fight for justice and equality. Jazz musicians like Montgomery helped spread the message of the civil rights movement through their work.

At the same time, 1965 was also a year in which the Vietnam War intensified and led to protests worldwide. The increasing US interference in Vietnam polarized the American public and led to a wave of anti-war movements, which also found expression in culture. Jazz and other forms of music became an outlet for the expression of frustration and opposition to the war.

In Germany, the mid-1960s was a time of economic growth and social change. The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 had divided the country and brought the Cold War into everyday German life. This division of Germany and the constant presence of the East-West conflict had a profound impact on German society and culture. The economic boom in West Germany, known as the "economic miracle", led to a rise in living standards and at the same time brought about social changes that also shaped the cultural landscape. Music, including jazz, played an important role as a means of cultural rapprochement and exchange between East and West, despite the political tensions.

In East Germany, on the other hand, the cultural scene was subject to strict state control and Western music styles such as jazz were often seen as subversive. Nevertheless, jazz music found its way to listeners here too and became a symbol of freedom and a burgeoning longing for change.

The worldwide social upheavals and the political context of 1965, both in the USA and in Germany, provided fertile ground for artistic forms of expression that critically examined the prevailing conditions. In this context, Wes Montgomery's "Bumpin'" can be understood as part of a larger movement in which jazz not only provided entertainment, but also represented an important medium for social and political commentary.

From the first notes, you hear the magnitude of Montgomery's extraordinary gift for communicating profound, haunting emotion through the medium of his guitar. His brilliant command of the six strings, as well as the vivid hues of the notes and the bluenotes played between them, are unmistakable. He is backed by a hauntingly beautiful and mesmerizing orchestra conducted and arranged by Don Sebesky. It carries the listener from his feet up into a dreamlike landscape. The atmosphere is tranquil and enchanting, like a romantic dinner for two under starlight, and certainly a romantic night deserves the accompaniment of this record.

The sound engineer has done an excellent job with this album. The sound quality is clear and lush, and overall this collection of mid-60s Latin jazz is a delight. To listen to over and over again.

In fact, Montgomery displays some of his most intense octave playing in the title track "Bumpin'". The album is filled with a mix of slow, heartfelt ballads and lively tracks, each creating an atmosphere that fully transports the listener into Montgomery's musical world.

The influence of Wes Montgomery on subsequent jazz guitarists is truly immeasurable. It is no wonder that his style and playing technique inspired many of them, George Benson being one of the first. Benson, who admired Montgomery to an extent he could never hide, not only borrowed his octave technique, but was also one of the first to really capture Wes' ability to combine complex harmonies and melodies with emotional content. In this respect, Montgomery's influence clearly extends beyond Benson and pours into the works of a great many jazz musicians, cementing Montgomery's position among the greatest pioneers of modern jazz.

I think "Bumpin'" by Wes Montgomery is far more than just an album; it's a testament to musical genius in one of the most adversity-ridden periods. But the innovation in his playing and the depth of emotion he brought to it launched Montgomery into the world of jazz and opened up a field for generations to come. Thus, "Bumpin'" remains one of those indispensable parts of jazz history, a true example that will inspire and unite people for decades and generations to come. The works that continue through Wes Montgomery are felt in those he has inspired, and that is what truly makes him an immortal figure in the world of jazz. Feel free to let me know which Alebn you love here in the comments. By the way, the album sounds great on a record player, at least a legendary Technics.

Cheers!