Sharp Nine is a label that appears concerned to a large measure with the recordings of current and past Milwaukee-based artists (got anything on Melvin Rhyne or Manty Ellis?). In this case the subject is the surviving sibling of the famed Montgomery Brothers of Indianapolis. Wes and Monk may have checked out, but piano playing Buddy remains quite vital, as attested to by this very amiable and warm new piano trio recording. Working with Jeff Chambers on bass and (Killer) Ray Appleton on drums (augmented on three tracks by Wilson Corniel’s congas), Buddy turns in a mixed bag of standards and standard-worthy originals.
A fine melodist in the tradition exemplified by the likes of Hank Jones, Buddy Montgomery has a wonderful touch at the piano and brings a wealth of good spirit to his material. There’s nothing at all ground breaking about this date, just a wealth of playing very representative of the jazz piano trio tradition. Buddy Montgomery is also a skilled vibist and one might long for his vibes work to have been included. Otherwise there is little to quibble with on this date.
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