Willow Weep for Me (album)

History

After Montgomery's death, Verve Records used recordings from the sessions that produced Smokin' at the Half Note and hired arranger Claus Ogerman to write string and brass arrangements for "Willow Weep for Me", "Portrait of Jennie," "Oh! You Crazy Moon," and "Misty." Subsequent reissues erased the new backing arrangements.

Reception

Writing for Allmusic, music critic Richard Grinell called the original release "... prime, mature Wes Montgomery stretching out in full, with unbelievable confidence in his ear and technique at all times, experimenting now and then with mild electronic effects devices. The sound is oddly dim and shallow on the LP, which is surprising since the Smokln' album sounded so good."

At the Grammy Awards of 1970 Willow Weep for Me won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group.

Track listing

1. "Willow Weep for Me" (Ann Ronell) – 7:44
2. "Portrait of Jenny" (Burdge, Robinson) – 5:06
3. "Misty" (Johnny Burke, Erroll Garner) – 2:48
4. "Oh, You Crazy Moon" (Burke, Jimmy Van Heusen) – 5:26
5. "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" (Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II) – 5:29
6. "Four on Six" (Wes Montgomery) – 9:33
7. "Impressions" (John Coltrane) – 6:45
8. "Blues on Purpose"

Personnel