Jazz Festival to Feature Tribute to Wes Montgomery

The 27th Cape May Jazz Festival, April 20-22, 2007, Cape May, New Jersey, kicks off this year's event with Pat Martino's tribute to Wes Montgomery at the Cape May Convention Hall on April 20. Other "Tributes to Wes" over the festival run include guitarists Teddy Royal, Bob Devos, Brian Betz, plus, vocalist Everett Greene performing with Royce Campbell on guitar. Bob Devos had this to say regarding the Wes Montgomery legacy: "He gave to jazz guitar what Charlie Parker gave to saxophone and the entire scope of jazz: a new vision. He brought a horn-like approach to the guitar and rhythmic propulsion much like a drummer's. Wes never lost sight of the essential element of jazz--the blues. Wes inspired many, many guitarists to explore new potentials, to find their own voice, and to keep the blues feeling that is at the soul of the guitar's place in jazz." Press release »