Buddy Montgomery

The youngest from the three Montgomery brothers, Friend Montgomery was a trusted, if underrated, vibraphonist and pianist. He became a specialist in 1948 and the next 12 months toured with Big Joe Turner. He performed piano with Slide Hampton in his indigenous Indianapolis, IN, offered in the Military, and was an associate (on vibes) of the favorite Mastersounds along with his bassist sibling Monk. Friend had a short stint with Kilometers Davis (playing vibes) in 1960 and sometimes used brothers Wes and Monk (beneath the management of guitarist Wes) in the 1960s. He relocated to Milwaukee, WI in 1969, learning to be a regional fixture and an educator. In the first ’80s, Montgomery relocated to Oakland, CA, where he documented for maker Orrin Keepnews on Landmark and with the Riverside Reunion Music group. Montgomery’s earliest times as a innovator were for Globe Pacific (1957), Dream, Riverside, Milestone, and Impulse! (1969). His recordings through the ‘90s and 2000s included Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Vol. 15 (1991, Concord Jazz), Icebreaker (2001, Staalplaat), A ROMANCE in Paris (2002, Space Period), and japan release Keeping in mind Wes (2006, Pony Canyon). Friend Montgomery outlived both his brothers; he passed away on, may 14, 2009 at age 79.