Wes Montgomery - 1968 [1988] "Down Here on the Ground"

Down Here on the Ground is an album by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery that was released in 1968. It reached number one on the Billboard Jazz album chart and number 4 on the R&B chart. It also reached number 38 on the Billboard 200. Released just a month before Wes died, this 1968 LP was one of only two that the massively influential jazz guitarist landed in the pop Top 40.

Wes Montgomery acceded to the whims of producer Creed Taylor for this, one of the very first CTI productions that would, over the next decade, popularize jazz with string backdrops or rhythm & blues beats. Much to either the delight or chagrin of urban or traditional jazz fans, the music changed, and Montgomery was in the middle, though his delightful playing was essentially unchanged. On the plus side, the legendary guitarist was allowed to collaborate with great musicians like bassist Ron Carter, pianist Herbie Hancock, flutist Hubert Laws, and percussionist Ray Barretto. While the small orchestral trappings never dominate this session, the seeds for a more grandiose style of music had been planted with the release of this date in 1968.

The arrangements of Don Sebesky are for the most part pretty, unobtrusive, and pleasant but lack groove and soul in the main. "Wind Song" is exactly as its title suggests, a light funk loaded up with chords and woodwinds. The melody of "Georgia on My Mind" is barely stated although the strings are subtle; "I Say a Little Prayer" is a sappy tune made into Muzak; oboe and cello bring "When I Look Into Your Eyes" into an ultimately maudlin arena; and Lalo Schifrin's theme from "The Fox" has the same instrumental complement, more film noir, and parallel to Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "Theme to the Eulipions" if you compare them side by side. The best material is the light funk of Montgomery's original "Up & at It" in a small ensemble, nice enough, and the roots of so-called "smooth" jazz. The bright samba "Know It All" best showcases the guitarist and Hancock's luminous piano, reflecting the classic "No More Blues," while "Goin' on to Detroit" is a typical Montgomery-styled, cool road song featuring Laws.

In may real and important ways, this is the beginning of the end for Montgomery as a jazz artist, and the inception of bachelor pad lounge/mood music that only lasted for a brief time. This recording, with no extra material, alternate takes, or bonus tracks, cannot compare to Charlie Parker with strings. It does fall in that category of recordings where the musicians chose to produce, rather than create their personal brand of jazz, and is at the very least an historical footnote.

This is an example of superb, cool guitar jazz! Wes Montgomery was introduced to me by a family friend many years ago,(back in the late 60s). By this gift she introduced me to a great jazz guitarist!: Wes Montgomery. This is one of the greatest gifts, given to me on vinyl, long playing record. I have this recording, still in playable condition as well as a cd copy purchased from the manufacturer. It is indeed a treasure in my musical collection!

The song "Down Here on the Ground" is Montgomery's version of the theme song from the movie Cool Hand Luke by Lalo Schifrin.

Track listing

    "Wind Song" (Herb Alpert, Nick Ceroli, Neil Larsen, John Pisano, Paul Francis Webster) – 2:22
    "Georgia on My Mind" (Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell) – 2:46
    "The Other Man's Grass Is Always Greener" (Tony Hatch, Jackie Trent) – 2:36
    "Down Here on the Ground" (Lalo Schifrin, Gale Garnett) – 3:42
    "Up and at It" (Wes Montgomery) – 4:15
    "Goin' on to Detroit" (Montgomery) – 3:38
    "I Say a Little Prayer for You" (Burt Bacharach, Hal David) – 3:18
    "When I Look in Your Eyes" (Leslie Bricusse) – 3:11
    "Know It All (Quem Diz Que Sabe)" (João Donato, Paulo Valle) – 2:59
    "The Fox" (Lalo Schifrin) – 2:56

Personnel

    Wes Montgomery – guitar
    Herbie Hancock – piano
    Ron Carter – bass
    Grady Tate – drums
    Ray Barretto – percussion
    Hubert Laws – flute, oboe
    George Marge – flute, oboe
    Romeo Penque – flute, oboe
    Bobby Rosengarden – percussion
    Mike Mainieri – vibraphone
    Gene Orloff – violin
    Raoul Poliakin – violin
    George Ricci – cello
    Emanuel Vardi – viola