John Montesante

Member Since: 2015 | Location: Melbourne | Page Views: 2,627

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About Me

John Montesante is Australian Jazz + Soul trumpet, Arranger and Band-Leader

JOHN MONTESANTE's earliest musical passion was Jazz. He came to national attention in Australia as a singular Jazz Musician, Composer and Arranger in his twenties, but due to the relatively small 'scene' In Melbourne at that time, needed to diversify to survive as a professional musician...doing session work, playing in various big bands and show orchestras, touring bands, As arranger, composer and trumpet, he founded Australia's only authentic Afro- American Soul Music Extravaganza, the 13-14 piece Grand WaZoo - in 1981, which still performs today. Then, he introduced his 20 piece Big Band, JM's Café Society Orchestra, and in 1990, his modern jazz combo, John Montesante Quintet (aka JMQ Jazz Ensemble), performing BeBop & Standards with the best players in the country. The JMQ Ensemble began a regular Thursday Jazz residency in 2004, which still continues on alternate weeks today. During 2012 John formed an expanded 10 x piece version of the Jazz band, to breathe life into his new bespoke Jazz arrangements. This outfit is called John Montesante Dectet. He performs with all his bands. John was an expert Jazz Educator for many years, with some of his initiatives included in the Jazz Curriculum. Available for Festivals, Concerts, Venues and Private events, Montesante's bands are reputed for their musical quality and unmatched longevity.