Wes Montgomery - Jazz Guitar Music Legend - Part 4

One of the most exciting facets of Wes Montgomery's guitar style was his jazz chord playing! He had a natural gift for chord melody solos and was able to seamlessly integrate improvised block chording into his solo work - as in "Cariba", "Sundown", "Missile Blues" and countless others. 

His harmonic conception was "piano thinking" applied to the guitar and at the time seemed impossible - especially when considering the ease and smoothness with which he performed his chord passages even at break neck speeds! Wes just heard it that way and again, redefined the rules.

Wes was equally adept at harmonizing and playing a melody (the head of a tune) with his block chord approach, frequently adding uncommon and downright peculiar voicings to the harmonic framework of the song! 

Cases in point are the striking performances heard in the standard "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" and his original composition "Mi Cosa". He played his chord phrases with a thumb strumming attack similar in articulation to his octave playing.

Wes Montgomery was a master of melodic invention -  having the facility, emotional content, taste, and originality to turn any piece into an engaging musical experience. As an improviser Wes was concerned with motif development, though in a natural and instinctive way. 

He was the consummate story teller - leading an enthralled audience in chorus after chorus of inspired playing - revealing a motif here, developing it later, introducing a blues move, and then seasoning it with bebop modernism and chromatic tension.

How To Choose The Right Gift For Your Bridal Party

Your wedding day will likely be shared with friends and family members who mean the world to you. A great way to thank them for participating in your wedding and supporting your relationship is to give them a thank you gift. Participating in a wedding, especially if you are more than just a guest, is a big commitment. Honor the time, money, and love they have given toward the wedding with something special. 

 

There are plenty of options when it comes to attendant's gifts, but if you really want something special, your choices are a bit more limited. If you believe your bridesmaids would enjoy a gift with a conscience, consider giving them sustainable products like handmade bags.Handcrafted gifts often have value beyond what you pay for them in dollars. Each of your favorite girls can have an item that is unique and special that also has done some good in the world.

Another option is to help them care for themselves. Giving spa gift certificates gives them an opportunity to pamper their bodies before or after the wedding. As a bride, you are feeling a great deal of stress, but your loved ones are probably experiencing a little bit as well. They are watching you change and experiencing the excitement and anxiety with you. If they can get away for a few hours and enjoy a massage or facial, it will help them be more supportive of you. It also shows them you care about them and believe they deserve to be taken care of and pampered for their efforts.

What Are The Traits That Make A Good Business Speaker For An After Dinner Speech?

There are many traits to good keynote speakers.   Some of those traits are more important than other skills.   If you have ever listened to a keynote speaker live, you will have noticed even if they are all very different, they generally posses the same core qualities.  When thinking about it, only a brave person has the guts to address a crowd.  It doesn't matter how large that crowd is. 

Confidence has to be the the most important weapon in a keynote speakers arsenal. Without confidence the keynote speaker will not be able to do the job.  Would you not think it odd a speaker shaking with fear while they address you?   Someone that looks great is someone you take notice of.   A confident speaker will inspire their audience and add credibility. 

It might seem obvious to point out, but knowledge of the subject area is important.  If you dont know your stuff, you are very likely to be caught out.  Confidence and knowledge go hand in hand.  Also, it if any questions are asked at the end, the speaker knows they arent likely to be shown up!  People listent to experts, and those that can offer them knowledge.   Knowledge is power! 

A speaker that can entertain is always going to perform better.   No audience likes to sit in boredom.   You don't need to be a comedian, but a bit of humour does help.   The subject the speaker is talking about is irrelevant.  A speaker than can create laughter is going to give their message.  An entertained audience is going to remember the message behind the speech, and may even tell their friends and colleagues.