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Quiz about Jazz Guitar Legends Wes Montgomery
Quiz about Jazz Guitar Legends Wes Montgomery

Jazz Guitar Legends: Wes Montgomery Quiz

This is a quiz about the life and music of jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.

A multiple-choice quiz by wmshipman. Estimated time: 4 mins.
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Author
wmshipman
Time
4 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
178,892
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
333
Awards
Top 20% Quiz
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Question 1 of 10
1. Wes Montgomery was born on March 26, 1925 in what city? Hint


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Question 2 of 10
2. Wes taught himself to play the guitar while still a teenager, and developed an interesting playing style. What was unique about his self-taught style? Hint


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Question 3 of 10
3. One source of musical inspiration to Wes was probably his two brothers, Buddy and Monk, who were both jazz musicians. What instruments did his brothers play? Hint


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Question 4 of 10
4. Wes got a taste of life on the road touring with what jazz legend in the late 1940s? Hint


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Question 5 of 10
5. While Wes essentially spent the next 10 years in Indianapolis, working a day job, he found time to record the album "Fingerpickin'" in 1957. What famous jazz trumpeter made his debut with Wes on that album? Hint


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Question 6 of 10
6. In January of 1960 Wes recorded an album that was to launch him to jazz superstardom almost overnight, what was the album? Hint


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Question 7 of 10
7. I've already asked about Wes' unique playing style, but musically Wes was known for his use of what? Hint


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Question 8 of 10
8. Wes is universally accepted to be a wonderful musician, but he was also a gifted composer. Which of these is NOT a Wes Montgomery composition? Hint


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Question 9 of 10
9. When asked in 1976 "Who do you feel was the last guitar innovator?", what famous guitarist said, "Wes Montgomery. There hasn't been anything new since then." Hint


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Question 10 of 10
10. Wes died of a heart attack far too soon, leaving an enormous legacy for such a short career. How old was Wes when he passed away? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Wes Montgomery was born on March 26, 1925 in what city?

Answer: Indianapolis

 Unlike most jazz musicians, Wes never relocated to New York, Los Angeles or any of the other cities that served as hubs of jazz music.
2. Wes taught himself to play the guitar while still a teenager, and developed an interesting playing style. What was unique about his self-taught style?

Answer: He played with his thumb

 Inspired after hearing a recording of jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, Wes taught himself to play the guitar. He later said he wished he was comfortable using a pick because he thought it would help him play faster, but he preferred the tone he got out of his guitar playing with his thumb.
3. One source of musical inspiration to Wes was probably his two brothers, Buddy and Monk, who were both jazz musicians. What instruments did his brothers play?

Answer: bass and vibraphone

 Buddy played vibraphone and Monk played bass in a Los Angeles jazz group called The Mastersounds.
4. Wes got a taste of life on the road touring with what jazz legend in the late 1940s?

Answer: Lionel Hampton

 Wes toured with vibraphone maestro Lionel Hampton from 1948-1950 before settling back down in Indianapolis.
5. While Wes essentially spent the next 10 years in Indianapolis, working a day job, he found time to record the album "Fingerpickin'" in 1957. What famous jazz trumpeter made his debut with Wes on that album?

Answer: Freddie Hubbard

 Hubbard, also an Indianapolis native, was only 17 at the recording session. Buddy and Monk Montgomery can also be heard on this fine album.
6. In January of 1960 Wes recorded an album that was to launch him to jazz superstardom almost overnight, what was the album?

Answer: The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery

 "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery" showcased just that, garnering Wes immediate critical praise and the attention of jazz fans nationwide. "Full House" is a live album by Wes, "Boss Guitar" is a studio recording by him, and "Let's Cook" is by fellow guitarist Barney Kessel.
7. I've already asked about Wes' unique playing style, but musically Wes was known for his use of what?

Answer: Octaves

 His use of octaves throughout his many recordings makes his music almost instantly recognizable to the familiar listener. Double tapping and false harmonics are guitar techniques more often found in the repertoire of rock n' roll guitarists.
8. Wes is universally accepted to be a wonderful musician, but he was also a gifted composer. Which of these is NOT a Wes Montgomery composition?

Answer: Airegin

 "Airegin", which is the first track on "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery", was written by the great saxophonist, Sonny Rollins.
9. When asked in 1976 "Who do you feel was the last guitar innovator?", what famous guitarist said, "Wes Montgomery. There hasn't been anything new since then."

Answer: Joe Pass

 Pass went on to say "To me there have only been three real innovators on the guitar -- Wes, Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt." Joe was no slouch himself, recording some of the most amazing jazz guitar to be found anywhere.
10. Wes died of a heart attack far too soon, leaving an enormous legacy for such a short career. How old was Wes when he passed away?

Answer: 43

 Wes died on June 15, 1968 in his native Indianapolis. With the overwhelming bulk of his recordings made after 1960, it is amazing the lasting impact he had on jazz in such a short period of time.
Source: Author wmshipman

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Bruyere before going online.
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Referenced Topics
Music   Other Music   Albums   New York   Jazz   Guitarists   Guitar   Composers   1960s Country Music   Live Albums  

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