Search - Monte Montgomery :: 1st and Repair

Newest Austin Guitar Demigod

Rod James | Texas | 12/24/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Have you ever been disappointed at a concert when a group's live performance cannot match its studio efforts? It's just the opposite with FIRST AND REPAIR. If I had never heard Monte Montgomery live, I would probably find this CD and the follow-up, MIRROR, more appealing. As it is, they are merely excellent. He pushes all the right buttons in the studio, but the seams of the envelope are quite safe from stress. The problem is, it's difficult to capture stage energy in a four-minute "airplay" studio cut. Monte and the rest of the trio, on stage, comprise an elemental force, with the fretless bass timbres of Chris Maresh perfectly complimenting the heavily processed acoustical guitar of the front man. It's easy to forget, amid all the guitar hype, that Montgomery is an adept singer as well, with a slighly gritty voice similar to Blues Traveler's John Popper in his articulation and fast vibrato. It is also inappropriate to focus all one's attention on Montgomery, as the bassist and drummer (superb, by the way) contribute a great deal to the textures and signature style that characterizes this material. It's just too bad that very little of the stage energy makes it onto the CD - these guys are tight! Even so, I can recommend this CD without reservation to anyone who appreciates guitar virtuosity."

Best Music and Talent I've heard in years...

Ken Gabriel (gabemill@aol.com) | Bloomington, IL. | 11/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"maybe the best acoustic/plectrum player ever(?). As a classically trained performance major in guitar, I practiced 9 hours per day for years in an attempt to become...well, as good as Monte. I never made it, but I'm sure glad he did. My hope is that the world finds out about him before the 3 chord wonders devour the industry completely. My punk oriented sons even love him (thankfully there is a God). There is no weak tune on the CD, but I particularly like "Sorry Doesn't Cut It" and "Love Come Knockin." Tremendous demonstration of all spectrums of ability: speed, touch, finese, funk, power, and musicallity, all tastely accomplsihed. Vocals are also outstanding. I am anxious to buy Monte's next offering, "Mirror", but not until I give this gem its due. Thanks to Monte, for restoring my faith that great players are still out there. Thank you Texas for keeping this man fed, but will you let him out of the state once in a while so that the rest of us can enjoy him?"

1st and Repair

matt | FLushing, Michigan | 09/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Monte Montgomery is the best kept secret in the country. A very good friend of mine reccommended that I buy Monte's Cd's... I was skeptical... So when she found out that I didn't buy them... she bought them for me. I am eternally in debt to her now... because Monte is amazing. Trust me on this one people... do yourself a favor and buy the cd's. If you don't want to buy both... then buy one. (but eventually you'll be mad at yourself for not buying them both at the same time) I am very critical of what type of music I listen to.. and Monte blew me away the first time I heard his music. Funny thing is, I still get that feeling of utter admiration and joy every time I put one of his songs.. even though I already know it by heart. It is a crime this guy is not more recognized for his ability... The only bad thing about Monte is when I have his cd's in while I am driving my car... problem is, when I get to wherever I am going... I just want to turn around and drive back home so I can stay in my car longer to listen to him play. I guess what I am saying is that he'd even make a traffic jam enjoyable... everyone would wonder why you're so happy- Enough said. Buy the cd, you won't regret it."