HomeWes MontgomerySong Meaning of "Body and Soul" by Wes Montgomery

Song Meaning of “Body and Soul” by Wes Montgomery

Song Details

  • Album Release Date: 2012
  • Genre: guitar

Song Meaning of “Body and Soul” by Wes Montgomery

The tune of “Body and Soul”, composed by Johnny Green in 1930, will forever remain a classic jazz standard. For guitarist Wes Montgomery, it has become a cherished tune to share with the world; a piece that holds such a powerful atmosphere and full range of personal emotions.

The song initially begins with soulful chords, descending from a joyous and free improvisation. Montgomery keeps the energy flowing with his electrifying, yet gentle finger-picking. It is as if you can feel the intensity of his emotions; they’re so powerful that the notes seem to sing out from his guitar. As he hums and plucks away, you begin to experience a sense of connectedness.

The tranquility in the atmosphere then shifts as Montgomery intensifies his playing, accelerating to an exhilaratingly fast speed. His relaxed voice echoes through the notes and carries us along with his story of longing, melodic lines that seem to cry out in anguish. There is an unwavering emotion which reveals the raw and vulnerable nature of being human.

This rendition of “Body and Soul” concludes with a sense of hopefulness, implying that even in the midst of our struggles, we can always come out alive. As Montgomery’s masterful playing ends, you can hear and feel how the music is truly a part of our body and soul.

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