Quem Diz Que Sabe (Know It All)
If I had to pick one solo that early on defined how a jazz guitarist should sound over a bossa nova groove, it would be Wes Montgomery’s “Know It All” from 1968. This bossa nova solo is a hidden gem—it swings with intensity, mixes blues and bebop, and flows effortlessly over João Donato’s beautiful melody. In this video, I perform the tune as a chord melody leading straight into Wes’ solo, so you can hear how the harmony and improvisation come alive.
After the performance, I spotlight what makes this Wes Montgomery bossa nova solo so compelling: bluesy double-stops and minor pentatonic from the jump, smart motif development, flowing arpeggios in continuous 8ths to imply II–V changes, and a broad range across the neck for contrast and lift. It’s a concise blueprint for phrasing and time feel over a bossa.
Whether you’re a longtime Wes Montgomery fan or exploring Brazilian grooves for the first time, this deep dive shows why his bossa nova solo still sets the standard. Hit play, listen for the details, and see how Wes Montgomery’s bossa nova solo turns a gentle groove into a masterclass in swing and lyricism.
PDF & AUDIO DOWNLOAD:
The “Quem Diz Que Sabe (Know It All)” lesson files, can be downloaded for $9.50. The download includes the following files: PDFs with notation and TAB of the chord melody arrangement and Wes Montgomery’s solo. Also included are MP3s and Band in a Box files of everything.
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