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The Latin Side of Wes Montgomery is a triumphant tribute album. It's made by one master, in honor and celebration of another. Nelson Riveros is an acclaimed guitarist and composer who embodies the very idea of cultural fusion. Born in New York to Colombian parents, Riveros grew up learning about the music and cultures of the Americas. A few years ago, after playing a gig that involved performing songs in Wes Montgomery's vaunted repertoire, Riveros had the idea of reimaging the legendary guitarist's music in a Latin American style: "I started to hear all kind of rhythms, bass lines, and melodic variations to some of his tunes. The next day, I started writing arrangements, and this very project began to take shape," said Riveros.

In making this terrific album, naturally Riveros wanted to collaborate with the very best musicians. And he did just that. He partnered with Hector Martignon (piano), a two-time Grammy nominee; Mark Walker (drums); Andy McKee (bass); Jonathan Gomez (percussion). Throughout the album, we can hear the band playing together as one, channeling the fluidness and virtuosity you will find on most if not all Wes Montgomery recordings.

Road Song is the opening salvo of Riveros' opus. This rendition features an intro played in unison, which is actually a melodic cell that happens later in the song. The song has well placed space near the bridge so that Martignon can comp with a Latin feel, even introducing head-nodding montunos. The piece fades into a surprise ending that gives the listeners one more jolt, a reminder that the festivities continue. Tear It Down comes from Montgomery's Bumpin' which was released in 1965 on Verve. Montgomery's version was a polished, straight-ahead swing number, which Riveros recast as a Brazilian Samba with Walker and Gomez adding colorful Latin percussion. Four On Six is one of Riveros' favorite songs of all time. He took the original bass line and turned it into a syncopated Tumbao. - Kabir Sehgal, producer.

Track Listing

Press Quotes

Guitarist Riveros' quintet plays Montgomery staples like 'Four on Six' and 'West Coast Blues' with carefree vivacity. His liquid playing skews toward single-note lines and sparingly employs Montgomery's trademark sliding octaves. Percussionist Jonathan Gomez cranks up the energy and amplifies the Afro-Cuban dimension.

     —Jazziz