Little Wing (Acoustic) - Monte Montgomery

[@BluesMan1234]

How has no one watched this before? Because I'm pretty sure I've watchted it 733,847 times myself.

[@WondersOfMonaVie]

Before this channel lifted this clip from my old KZbin channel, it had more than 1.5 million views then.

[@flyinsossers]

Dude I think it has been posted more than once or something. First time I saw it was like 10 years ago and it had almost 1 million views. I've literally watched it about 200 times trying to copy his style on the song. And of course am nowhere even close. Monte is a Beast. Only a handful of people in the world can play like this in my opinion.

[@cheesetoast8312]

Ok, Dammit you got me by 129 but who dude, is counting........Not me.....lol I saw him once and I was the only black dude in the place.........Monte was the only guy who smiled at me. No, he didnt talk to me , he just walked past me like I was going to steal his wallet or some shit. I still respect his skillz and understand Texas is a motherfucker to understand as a state.

[@rich6394]

Adam Butchart ive watched this at least 100 tomes. it never gets old

[@jamesandjulia7410]

Mega

[@richeaton5752]

Festival International, Lafayette, LA April 2002. I'm walking from one venue to the next and I hear Mark Knopfler's Romeo and Juliet. I ease in close to the stage to see a guy in shorts sitting on the edge of the stage, just nailing it. I mean perfect. After 3-4 just killer tunes, I notice standing in front of me is none other than Derek Smalls, the bass player for Spinal Tap. (lol Yep, Harry Shearer lol) Just after this tune (encore), he turns and our eyes meet and we both just shake our heads and smile. I've seen Monte 7-8 times now. Stunning every time. And it's funny, a Monte show is like a Sonny Landreth show, in that there is always a row of open mouthed guitar players on the front row, looking at each other, smiling, and shaking their heads... lol GO SEE HIM LIVE! (you may have to go to Texas... lol)

[@technomonkey9529]

I think this is the most beautiful version of little wing . It's a sham how underated this man is.

[@charleshartlen3914]

underrated? it's monte montgomery my dude "He was named one of the "Top 50 All-Time Greatest Guitar Players" by Guitar Player Magazine and won the "Best Acoustic Guitar Player" Award at the Austin Chronicle's Austin Music Awards seven years in a row. "

[@mistert8087]

One of a kind version, but I do prefer SRV’s version. Just different style, both incredible, matter of personal preference.

[@gatofuji7410]

I agree at 50%, since this and SRV's are both at the top...

[@Gregorypeckory]

​@@gatofuji7410I love Steve's version, but it's a strat version that's pretty close to the original. Taking into account that this one is a far more individualized take on Hendrix; Monte playing it on that beat up acoustic with the effects that he uses the incredible tone, the amazingly skilled use of harmonics and various bending techniques, and his own amazing legato lines that don't sound like anything Hendrix would have played, but add another beautiful flavor that still fits the song, I have to pick Monte over SRV if I could only listen to this version or Stevie's version for the rest of my life. One can easily imagine Hendrix coming up with similar variations on his own song himself had he lived a few more years, because he was always adding and subtracting to his own stuff. Monte has an adventurous spirit more like Hendrix than SRV, which is what causes him to play the song less like the original, in the same inventive Spirit of Jimi Hendrix.

[@stevesorrell9835]

I do not have the words, to say how great that is. Absolutely breathtaking.

[@drphelps9017]

I've heard everyone... everyone play this and NOBODY plays it like Monte. The most underrated guitarist alive.

[@MrMarkpark]

Damn, that’s one of the most amazing guitar performances I’ve ever seen. Is anyone else as impressed as me? I feel like I’m short changing him because I don’t know enough about guitar to fully appreciate his whole talent. I only just discovered him today. And I’m excited about it.

[@MsVan13]

He wins Austin most outstanding guitarist in the day. He sings a great cover of Hall and Oats Sara Smile.

[@MrMarkpark]

@@MsVan13 i saw him do it on “live at Darrell’s house”. Was good.

[@bbbbbum]

Right? How in the ever loving hell are those kids just sitting there like they're attending a lecture on tax code or some shit????? HOW?????

[@KCBarr1]

I have been sharing the hell out of this, and his version of World Turning by Fleetwood Mac for about a dozen years now.

[@salvatorecapaccio8760]

While MM is doing an awesome intro, let's film the bass player watching him, doing nothing. Good job camera man.

[@MegaQwerty2000]

That would be a video editing error. There are multiple cameras at this venue.

[@scottcooneymusic6736]

just watch passed the first 40 seconds lol

[@LordDaymoon]

Salvatore Capaccio oh damn i laughed so loud it's really late tho

[@ZekeMan62]

Salvatore Capaccio Reminds me of all the Big Foot "footage" where the camerman seems to be much more interested in a patch of grass and leaves on the ground 3 feet in front of him.

[@AngeloIppis42]

Lol honest I love Monte but that bassist is a trip live, very fun to watch

[@rhythmpants]

I am 50 years old, that may be the performance I have dug the most. Outfknstanding!

[@StevegarwoodNet]

He has melted his guitar. This is the best guitarist I ever heard!

[@davidfriction7170]

You should hear Tab Benoit too!

[@dgoyea]

Any haters of this video just don't understand guitar playing and/or music. This is an amazing performance by an incredible guitar player. I've watched endless music/guitar performances and still come back to this one as one of my favorites. A true inspiration...you don't see this often. Rock on Monte, you're a rare breed.

[@boogieloo1831]

David Goyea 👍👍👍

[@ismelltrouble7266]

David Goyea kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKjQXqmufMx5nJY this guy is way better.

[@CarlosDantana]

@@ismelltrouble7266 there isn't a single dislike on it yet.

[@ismelltrouble7266]

@@CarlosDantana hey smart guy. KZbin removed the dislike counter.

[@scottkennedy1850]

Millions of renditions of Little Wing. Next to Jimi, this is the best. Thank you Monty.

[@chevelle68100]

I’ve watched this so many times. I’m amazed every time. Just magical, this man.

[@lapwiz]

Musicians will study this and try to emulate it a thousand years from today. MM is way out there! Way ahead of our time. This type of complexity in playing requires a lifetime of devotion to the instrument. Outstanding!

[@Washburn-rr5eh]

I cant believe what I am seeing and hearing coming from an Acoustic. Totally blown away!!! Great job!!!!

[@ben-jam-in6941]

I’m commenting 9 years after yours but anyway.. Ya Monte is great and only more impressive live. I’ve met him a couple times and he is always very friendly and cool. It’s been quite a while since a last went to one of his shows like probably not since 2006 so idk what he’s doing now. I can’t imagine he’s not still performing. Super talented!!

[@ben-jam-in6941]

I’ve met him and he is a very nice person. My best friend and I went to multiple shows but after my buddy bought Monte’s signature Alvarez Yairi guitar we took it to a show in Birmingham Alabama to just get him to sign it. Monte acted so cool and was like “I can’t believe you brought it to the show thank you so much”. He then proceeded to play it and was very impressed by how good it played. Then people of course gathered around and he just kept playing for a min and signed it. Then he asked if my friend would like him to keep it backstage until the show was over rather than risk it getting stolen (around $3000+ and now signed so ++) out of the trunk of our car. Of course he gladly accepted. Really great and humble guy to be one of if not the greatest acoustic guitarist ever. At least in the world outside of classical type music.

[@Minor7thb5]

I never get sick of watching this. Bar none has to be one of the best ever live performances and he leaves nothing back. This is what is called a 150% effort and skill!

[@sangsomlipo]

Been watching this for 12 years now. Brings back memories of all the places i've lived, and all weird cirumstances i've fired up this clip. KZbin is getting so old it can bring nostalgia from what was fresh clips.

[@Laavaavaal]

That guitar looks like it has been in a fire! And sounds like it is on fire!

[@mp4-27d3]

He came out the womb with a guitar! That was unreal! So good!

[@Buzzbernesemountdog]

monte you have masterd the beautiful language of guitar. thank you.

[@louispetracca9023]

why is this man is not better known even amongst musicians is mind-bending to me .I think he is one of the greatest ever.

[@boogieloo1831]

louis petracca - without question. I believe a major publication put him in top 50 guitarists list.

[@PDSalling]

Thank you, universe, for this hard working man.

[@RWM420]

How doesn't this not have one million view yet, ive watched it at least one million times!!! ... there is no better guitar playing anywhere and ive been looking

[@davidmathias7558]

Still remember the time he played this for my wife and I at a concert in Milwaukee. He really gives credit to Hendrix for the style and passion he puts into it.

[@anthonyhumphries2783]

then you woke up in a coldsweat

[@paullevine1813]

Why is it when someone plays their interpretation of a classic song and in this case plays it amazingly well folks chime in and say he's butchering the song, Is not paying tribute to someone by playing their music the right of musicians, especially if you play it this well . If they think that way there would be no way to keep these songs alive. Play on Monte you kicked ass on this Totally !!!

[@notfooled1]

Wow! He has a rather deft touch - producing a mind boggling range of sounds from a piece of driftwood…. I Love this Hendrix tune. I can never rotate it out of my shuffle queue.

[@rougeandrei9095]

This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is what you call a Virtuoso at his best!

[@WarmothGuitarist]

You know Jimi and Stevie would love this jam.

[@grewalparminder2003]

Not sure about that

[@CorePathway]

WarmothGuitarist No room for them, this guy already plays too many notes. Seriously. Little wing is one of my faves, but this is a hot mess.

[@jblah1]

The better the jazz the less people appreciate it. Stevie and Jimi would definitely get it.

[@Whalers68]

@@CorePathway plays too many notes. That critique always makes me chuckle. I'm sure you have praised many that play many notes, or you linit yourself to the styling of Gilmore and the sort.

[@pcbullets8726]

Yeah, this is friggin genius! What a player this guy is! He def has his own style and isn't afraid to go out on a limb, I have watched this video about 50 times myself, just awesome!

[@WaZaaap6]

Probably Most Unique "Little Wing" that I've heard(and I'd like to think that I've heard....pretty much EVERY "Little Wing" cover that is available for people to dig out.. Awesome stuff!

[@invizoman]

Cripes !!!!!!! WT F is the guitar made of ??? Monte's set up and tone.....let alone his Virtuoso freakin' playing !!!!! I am sure Jimi is there watching this F'en rendition of " Little Wing ! " .......and saying ' far out man ' and crying and clapping at this truly freaked out version of his song .............And of all things done on an Acoustic Guitar......Sheez Super Wow !!!!! Aaaand the very end ? My God....Jimi pushed him to finish off like that !!!!!!!! He was there ? Look at the rugs on the floor ? This is too much the guitar sang the vocals also..... it's the only Unique version bar a couple of others ??? Phew !!!!!

[@jorgealach8280]

I'm sure Hendrix is full of emotions hearing his song in the hands of this incredible man, somewhere in heaven

[@fartknocker8363]

My God...I've been preaching this for years....I'm always in Church.

[@Bobar722]

I happened to be one of the fortunate few that witnessed Jimi play live back in '68 but Monte truly ROCKS every song he plays! My mouth is still hanging on the floor! How the hell does any one dude get so much talent at birth? Monte you are the GREATEST GUITARIST I HAVE EVER HEARD SO FAR! And to think you get all this sound and tone out of an acoustic guitar? DAMN!

[@busawulf]

Saw Jimi at the Isle of Wight 1970. I am not easily impressed. I AM impressed......

[@zmanzmanzmanzman1]

Never heard of Monte Montgomery before, I won't forget him after watching this!

[@danielorourke5854]

Too bad he wasn't getting paid by the note! I saw him do a Q + A at an guitar show and he joked that he'd never been accused of underplaying a song!

[@Creapture]

Kudos for the guitar for staying in tune!

[@CorePathway]

That guitar has clearly seen worse.

[@kevinmontgomery1383]

@@CorePathway Well Broken in. For sure!

[@gonata1234]

lolol so jokingly serious!!! Essential comment!

[@Bodyknowledge77]

I first heard/saw Monte around 20yrs ago on Austin City Limits and was blown away. Thanks to KZbin and the internet I can enjoy his mastery of the music any time of day!

[@jamessims6065]

My first time listening to Monte was 18 yrs ago drinking at riverside park in Tulsa Ok. Have been a huge fan ever since.

[@midwestfisherman]

Holy Shit!! What did I just see/hear??? Incredible!!!

[@steray8one]

I was saying the exact same thing to myself as I was scrolling down to your comment. Just when I was thinking of going back to my old SG God reminds me that this truly is an acoustic planet. An IL fisherman of souls

[@jimigrunge]

I think Jimi would have loved this version of his song. Amazing!

[@ayushmanbhalla8737]

it's more than justice to any jimi's little wing cover.... legendary playing 🙏

[@bryanjohnson7126]

It's hard to add to what's been said, but I especially love how he goes really wide with some of those sparse breaks and brings it right back to the core with some strong chords. You know, just to remind you he's not lost in his own head.

[@CorePathway]

Only thing that needs to be said is to let this rendition stand alone. Comparison will add nothing to your enjoyment of this or any other version. We can't help it, of course, but whether this is on your own personal Little Wing Mt. Rushmore or not, it's facking AMAZING, yes?

[@kevinshellhorse5692]

I've seen him twice and I shred . But he just melts my mind. Totally underrated

[@chucknberry]

simply one of the greatest songs ever written by the greatest guitarist of all the times played by one of the greatest guitarist of our times

[@vaibanez17]

I've seen Monte a couple of times, met him and got his autograph at a show. He's such a great player in person, you just have no idea what you're going to get. He brings it all to every performance.

[@jessequintero9546]

the only sour note here are the comments MONTE KEEP ROCKING YOU DON'T HAVE TO CLONE ANY SOUNDS TO SATISFY THE MASS THIS IS YOUR SWEET RENDITION GIVEN TO YOU FROM GOD................GOD BLESS "GHOST"

[@rkede1879]

Definitely Underrated!! I stumbled across him on public TV years ago and was immediately impressed. Incredible talent !!!!

[@flyinsossers]

holy shit ! is he human??!! a real beast on the old coustic axe. awesome !!

[@ron3142]

This guy is amassing. Well Done. Best accustic version I ever heard, and beleive me I have heard a Lot.. . . . . .

[@ron3142]

Alan Parsons / WishBone Ash / Amon Duul / Hawkwind / Genesis / Pink Faries / Green Slade / & Stuff, o.k. so I cant spell. . . .

[@prevarctorII]

I've seen this ten times and it never ceases to amaze me. He can play.

[@atxav8r]

Far and away the most technically proficient, skilled, unknown, and woefully under-appreciated guitarist of the early 21st century. If Monte had been around in the 70's he would be a legend and household name today.

[@fawque1859]

I'm not sure what's more impressive, his left or right hand!

[@edellis515]

GOAT. PERIOD

[@ellachance]

Geez, you are so right! I never even heard of this guy until I stumbled upon this. Wowser.

[@dannysfreind]

The classic and spanish overtones are a nice touch... Interesting

[@ron3142]

Played with passion, love it. Can't fault this.......

[@PermaPasturesFarm21]

Magnificent!

[@MississippiDave]

If we're having a battle of the Little Wings ... (And I'm not sure why we would be.) Monte's Little Wing is in the discussion! This version baffles the mind because of the complexity and speed. Stevie's version hits you straight in the heart for the feeling behind each note, and the beauty of it. Too bad they couldn't have a Little Wing off...

[@lapwiz]

+Mississippi Dave SRV's version is solid and fluid from start to finish. Monte borrows from it but can't quite nail it on his twice broken and repaired Alvarez neck guitar. It is impressive however. Monte is no beginner and despite the many glitches it is an impressive version. I wish he just ripped the strings right out of the neck after this as he usually does.

[@MississippiDave]

Yeah I've seen him do that before as well with the string thing. Monte is miles ahead of the vast majority of guitarists on the planet as far as I'm concerned. The guy is a monster. Stevie's version certainly stands alone, and so does Jimi's for that matter... But Monte wasn't trying to copycat their versions. He was doing his own thing with it and making it his own. Have you heard the album version? It is pretty insane. Wish more folks knew about this guy.

[@bennyhill7487]

+Mississippi Dave What an awesome Idea that would be......awesome!!!

[@zechh5759]

+Mississippi Dave 100% agree, Stevie did a amazing job with his interpretation of the song ( He's also the best ever guitar player in my opinion) But I love hearing people continue to work off of Jimi and Stevie did it in such a powerful way, to see someone actually be able to play at his level is Honorable, props to Monte

[@greatvanzini]

+Renato He did at the end!

[@subcommandanteau]

yep 6 years on and still the greatest thing i have ever seen on guitar.

[@AXESLINGER2112]

i doubt you'll ever see anything like this guy ever again? my mind is blown daily by this cat

[@YOKOHAMA1960]

I couldn't understand why guitarist sometimes destroys his instrument after performance until listening this MM's Little Wing. This is ultimate. The guitar had nothing left in it after his play, must die....

[@keiththompson5193]

It never ceases to amaze me how many unbelievably talented people there are Wow!

[@thegeargeeks1]

I can't believe this guy everything he plays...seems like he encompasses a little bit of everyone as well....geez.....So Humbling...and Inspirational.

[@lookierebuddy2]

Just heard of Monte Montgomery today. Never thought I would hear such an original interpretation of this often covered Hendrix standard. You can tell he's another "force of nature" from the weathering his guitar's taken. :-) Can't tell from this but he has an awesome singing voice as well. I'm a brand new fan. Wow. Thanks for posting this.

[@mikebald7273]

Ive heard a hundred little wing performances and wes is the best interpretation and performance i've ever heard. He takes every chord and explores all variations while keeping the feel and tonality true to the piece. awesome. I love this song, its the" misty "of our generation.

[@videoogler]

This is by far one of the best performances of this song ever done.

[@hesch-tag]

videoogler is there a song hidden in there?

[@mrbrownbagable]

What? Monte is simply a great acoustic guitar player. I'm a Jimi puerist that loved it.

[@sethtoe]

Seems to me he does what he does because he can, and because it takes the music to another magical place, like it did the first time it was done. He's about the music, and I feel the soul in it. What more can anyone who enjoys true and pure music want I ask?

[@MrTastytae]

It's pretty neat to sing along with it: Well she's walking through the clouds With a circus mind that's running round Butterflies and zebras And moonbeams and fairy tales That's all she ever thinks about Riding with the wind. When I'm sad, she comes to me With a thousand smiles, she gives to me free It's alright she says it's alright Take anything you want from me, anything. Fly on little wing, Yeah yeah, yeah, little wing

[@raymondeverson7323]

This performance is astonishing. Human Excellence. Genius.

[@gwatkins5766]

Watched Monte years ago at the Saxon Pub in Austin Texas. (on South Lamar) He was awesome then and has only gotten better with age. I told him he played like Jimi, except on a Dreadnought Guitar. If memory serves me correctly, that's his Alvarez-Yari guitar. They sound like a violin. I know, I had one. They must be coated with the "Red Violin" coating? They ring like a bell. I miss mine, every day. Sometimes people talk you out of your things. Saw you on Daryl's Place Monte. Peace Brother!

[@TxGuitarPlayer]

One of the best acoustic guitar players ever!

[@fight2Bfree]

Thanks for uploading and sharing this wonderful piece. I had never heard of Monte but thanks to you I now know and have had the pleasure to hear for the first time one of the greatest guitarist performance of all time. thank u thank you THANK YOU!! :-)

[@mvsxxxx]

Please don't ever take this down.

[@GregsGarage]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone beat up an acoustic guitar like that like. WOW. Monte transends virtuosity. That's gotta be in the top 5 all time performances I've seen.

[@GREG-SC]

Saw this live several years ago front row. Stumbling across this video was super fun. THANK YOU

[@kamilt.9252]

This kills me every time I watch it .... pure emotions, pure mind transfer straight to the strings...

[@rda4577]

Such skill and control. And passion. Mesmerizing.

[@bendtotheend]

This is the first version of his interpretation I heard, and also the first I ever heard him play anything; it certainly opened my ears. At the time it was a case of the best unknown guitarist in the world playing the best unknown guitar in the world, an Alvarez branded Kazuo Yairi (half the price of Taylors, Martins, Collings, etc.).

[@kamilt.3618]

I think he was directly connected to the other universe, maybe sending us some message... have no words to describe it... pure pleasure...

[@Electronic424]

My favorite guitarist of all-time

[@hughnami]

Yes this is the ultimate acoustic guitar performance. He digs into this piece of wood with so many ideas, harmonics ,chord substitutions 10 fingers and it is all musical. not just gymnastics or typewriting as Joni Mitchell would say. Jimi would have flipped if he saw this version

[@4336michael]

I have heard a lot of guitarist in my life and I have to say.........best in the world! Monte makes them all look like their running in slow motion..... thumbs up :-)

[@fuerlobo3536]

Mein Fafourit ... lots of love from germany ... master of the universe ... l.u. man

[@abramo1111]

Absolutely incredible... VERY original, VERY special, VERY nice... VERY, VERY, VERY...

[@karloz112964]

WOW!!!! don't know what else to say...this guy is awsome! Thank you for the upload I will be keeping an eye out for this guy...Great artist!

[@TheGuitologist]

Genuis. Dude is an absolute beast.

[@Tacomadome24]

One of the best guitar performances I have ever seen; Electric or acoustic.

[@tomyam1214]

One guitar, endless variety of tones!

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

4:20, it's like entering the eye of the hurricane. The craziness just stops and everything calms down for a few minutes. Then right back at it!

[@laredolenny682]

WOW! Just WOW! I've watched this a dozen times in the last 10 years. I read all the comments too. Each time I see or hear something more. Just incredible. I was listening to YES earlier. Steve Howe is great. Monty just blows him out of the water. But, this is Monty. I love how he snapped all the strings off his Guitar at the end. I thought of Pete Townshend. And then, how Punk that was to do that. Roller Coaster of music. I mean, Music is my life. So, comparisons are useless, really. I never see Monty show up on any " Best Guitar " lists. I think he supersedes the list stuff. Crazy man. Just an amazing Man doing what he loves. Hoo-Ray.

[@dsuth65]

Quit, QUIT? This man has just inspired me to step up my game. One of the baddest jams I've seen in a long time.

[@jtpeterson8001]

Watch him in person. Your eyes will cross! Glad to say I've seen him play a few times a year for the last 10 years or so!

[@mwyatt222]

we've been spoiled around the DFdub for decades with Monte. Under-rated.

[@thealaskapicker8628]

Oh my god! That is perhaps the best and most innovative Little Wing I have ever heard

[@liettapung-herbst7471]

Man oh MAN can he make those acoustic strings zziiingg! Monte is Simply. Amazing. Jimi and SRV are smiling!

[@mexhapati]

this is one of my favorite tunes of all time.. i really think though that the vocals/lyrics are an integral part of this piece, and of course nobody can sing it quite like the original author

[@curiousgeorge555]

I love Gilmour's solos. They are are unique. That's one quality I look for in a musician. He's one of my favorite. I agree different guitarists speak to different people differently.

[@SabinaChilders]

Whoa Dude has some made freakin skills.... and that guitar.... worn beautifully!!! Take a Bow!!!!

[@owenaltobello575]

This was so good it was either practiced and rehearsed for years or it’s pure soul

[@user8002]

One man's interpretation of a classic tune. There have been many. Everyone has different tastes. To me, this is delicious but what do I know. I'm just an average guitar player that admires skill levels I can only dream about achieving.

[@linagal930]

Wow...why haven't I heard this version ...so xy....Thanks for sharing...

[@fingerswilkerson]

Insane acoustic electric architect, and the rest of band are so solid and tight...Great Band!!

[@mikewilkins2030]

The most amazing 4 secs at 4:19 to 4:22!!! this man is beyond amazing!!