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"Goin' Wes" Review
A product of the University of Southern California's jazz program, guitarist Ken Song makes an impressive recording debut as a leader, writing all of the arrangements and one original for this session. Accompanied by two members of the final edition of the Gene Harris Quartet (bassist Luther Hughes and drummer Paul Kreibich) and pianist Llew Matthews, Song displays a crisp, clean technique, while venturing into both familiar repertoire and less frequently played works. For openers, the young musician jumps full force into a delightful romp through Charlie Parker's "Segment," followed by a jaunty strutting take of Miles Davis' "Vierd Blues." Song's lyrical unaccompanied introduction to the humorous ballad "Everything Happens to Me" is masterful, while he gradually turns up the heat in his swinging setting of Duke Ellington's "In a Mellow Tone." Song is unafraid of inevitable comparisons of his style to that of the late Wes Montgomery, as he skillfully maneuvers his way through Montgomery's tasty "West Coast Blues," along with dedicating his snappy original "Goin' Wes" to the late guitarist. The members of the rhythm section aren't just along for the ride, as Song makes sure they get plenty of solo space. The warmth from this enjoyable session is evident throughout the date. |
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