Assignment #3: Milt Jackson and Wes Montgomery
Milt Jackson (vibraphone) and Wes Montgomery (guitar) are both considered outstanding performers on their more uncommon jazz instruments.
For this assignment, you will be listening to two pieces that highlight these two players and their instruments: Django played by Milt Jackson (v), John Lewis (p), Percy Heath (b), and Connie Kay (d) collectively know as The Modern Jazz Quartet, and Four on Six played by Wes Montgomery (g), Wynton Kelly (p), Paul Chambers (b), and Jimmy Cobb (d).
First listen to Django. Based on Lesson 8 as well as what you hear, describe a couple of elements that make the Modern Jazz Quartet unique as compared to other jazz groups of the time.
According to Lesson 6, provide a brief description of the vibraphone, and name one of the first jazz performers on the instrument. In Django, at what points do you hear Jackson or Lewis as featured soloists? Use counter numbers (minutes and seconds on your media player).
Now listen to Four on Six. After the intro, Montgomery is featured up through about 2:27. Describe his sound and some of the techniques you hear in his playing. Does he ever use chords? Using counter numbers, at what point does he introduce his trademark “octaves” sound to his solo?
What are your impressions of the two pieces? Did you prefer one more than the other? if so, why? Are there some specific musical elements or sols in either o the pieces you really enjoy hearing? Provide some specific examples by using counter numbers.
