Doc's Jazz Music Reviews

People Make the World Go Round is a song popularized by the R&B singing group the Stylistics back in the 70’s. Since that time numerous Jazz artist and groups have taken the song and added their distinctive styling’s to it. Here is a video showcase featuring some of these variations.

Here is the original done by The Stylistics

Check out our radio link and let us know what you think. Just click on the radio and give it a try, Doc

There is another one with the same title but it only has 6 cuts whereas this one has 11. The import version is the one I am listening to and it has a longer version of “four on six” but they want a fortune for it now. Get the one I have listed here – it will satisfy.

I love Wes Montgomery. There is something about his tone (no pick) and style of playing that was truly unique. I can usually pick him out after just a few bars. Here are a few reviews:

Wes Montgomery brought the art of the electric guitar to new heights in the 1950s and 1960s before his untimely death at 43. His vaulting style employed octaves much as his main influence, Charlie Christian, did in the Benny Goodman Sextet. Montgomery's crowd-pleasing facility with the fretboard was best employed in live performance when he could stretch out and really be heard. Smokin' is a thoroughly satisfying live album recorded in 1965 and 1966 at the New York nightclub, with co-leader Wynton Kelly and his trio--Kelly on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums. Montgomery and Kelly are in perfect sync here, especially on "No Blues" and "If You Could See Me Now." --John Swenson

Talk about a foursome! This is one of my top twenty favorite albums. Anyone who plays the guitar needs to purchase this album just to hear why many consider Wes to be the greatest guitar player in jazz history. I was actually turned on to this album by a buddy of mine who played guitar for a speed metal band. He was in awe, just as I was the first time I heard it and everytime I hear it to this day! However, it's not just Montgomery that shines. The rythm section of Cobb, Kelly and Chambers just might be the best you will ever hear. They are simply flawless and this is a 'live' album to boot. Chambers is my second favorite bass player right behind Mingus and he has never been better. I always thought that Jimmy Cobb was one of the most underated drummers of his time. This is also my favorite work of Wynton Kelly. His piano playing compliments Montgomery perfectly. All four of these artists brought their 'A' game to the table during this live session (augmented by a couple of studio tracks as well) and it really shows throughout. This one is truly special and everytime I hear it I enjoy it more than the last time (I always pick up something new!). I will not pretend to be a music and/or jazz scholar, nor am I a musician. I am however, someone who has listened to thousands of albums of all types of music (rock, jazz, soul, ska, punk, reggae, rap, country, bluegrass, folk, classical, etc...) and yet nothing puts a smile on my face and serenity in my soul like this does. All I have to say is thank you to the heavens for creating such wonderful artists who created such wonderful sounds. Beautiful music like this truly does help alleviate the pain and ennui of living in today's not so beautiful world. Joey D

I'm a guitarist and composer, and while I am not a huge fan of jazz, this is one of my top ten records of all time. I can think of no other record that captures the feeling of being onstage, peforming with great musicians. Every single second is filled with brilliance. Montgomery is beyond comparison. When I was jsut 15, I met B.B. King and he played me a cut off of this record. I quickly bought my own copy, and have worn out several over the years. A must have. Quite a gift from the band to all of us who love music. R Composer