Road Song - Wes Montgomery (1986)

orchestrated/arranged by *Don Sebesky*

This album is a really interesting combination of orchestra, medieval consort, and a jazz rhythm section. Sebesky's arrangements feature lots of recorder, cello, flute, oboe, and harpsichord for a very specific sound; he then alternates this classical yin with its yang antidote - namely, the 80s funkiness of Herbie Hancock, Hank Jones, and others in the jazz combo-within-orchestra.

Meanwhile Wes's double-octave melodies ring like crystals, and always manage to be lyrical, even despite the unchanging voicing. Covers include Fly Me to the Moon as well as Beatles hits. The title track is great with a Cal Tjader acid jazz (as in the Austin Powers soundtracks) bass trombone-heavy, flute-topped funky brass section along with congas, in addition to a string section which makes some surprise entrances. The last cover, Pete Seeger's Where Have All the Flowers Gone?, is cool, catchy, and relaxing. Another reason why it's a pity that this was Wes's last recording, one month before his death. Where have all the flowers gone, indeed....