Style:

Swing, usually played at medium-up tempos.

Form:

A-B (16 Bars) [8-8]

Arrangements:

An introduction is typically included in performances which revolves around a Gmi ostinato. It is played before the head in, and is also oftentimes used as an extended outro vamp after the head out.

Key:

G minor

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition is mostly conventional. Both the A and B sections begin with Gmi7 for 4 bars, giving the piece a modal touch that  stands in contrast to the otherwise bop-oriented changes. The A section continues with a series of descending II - V's: Cmi7 - F7, Bbmi7 - Eb7,  Ami7 - D7, before finishing with Ebmi7 - Ab7 (the tri-tone substitution of the previous II - V). The B section finishes with a momentary stay on the relative Major before returning back to the tonic minor to finish  the form.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 40 times and is one of Wes Montgomery's most popular compositions. Wes Montgomery first recorded it on his 1960  album The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery, and would also leave behind a seminal recording of the tune alongside the Wynton Kelly Trio on his album Smokin' at the Half Note several years later.

JGC Top Picks:

Wes Montgomery & The Wynton Kelly Trio, Smokin' at the Half Note, 1965

John Abercrombie & John Scofield, Solar, 1982

Pat Martino, Remember: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery, 2006