Happy New Year to all! I'm ringing in 2019 with a new piece for CultureSonar, celebrating the parallel histories of two legendary NYC music retailers: Manny's Music, and Sam Ash. What are some of your most cherished memories of 48th…
Dec 20 2018
JM'S "CLOUD NINE" INTERVIEW WITH KEN MICHAELS
http://globaltexanchronicles.com/john-montagna-interview
LISTEN TO ME JABBER ON ABOUT GEORGE HARRISON!
About a year ago, Ken Michaels interviewed me on his "Every Little Thing" radio show about my love for George's 1987 "Cloud Nine" album. The interview is now available…
Nov 21 2018
New episode of "Breaking It Down With Jeff And John" celebrates Steve Gadd!
Hello all!
Just in time for holiday listening, our latest episode of the "Breaking It Down with Jeff and John" podcast is live, celebrating the artistry of drum legend Steve Gadd.
From his roots in Rochester, NY to…
Nov 5 2018
Sanborn Sessions: A New Day for “Night Music”
Photo Credit: David Sanborn by Sam Zhang courtesy of the artist
https://www.culturesonar.com/sanborn-sessions-a-new-day-for-night-music/
Those closest to me know how passionate I am about "Night Music," the revolutionary music series hosted by David Sanborn on NBC from 1988-1990. So you…
Nov 4 2018
NEW REVIEW: "The Complete Cuban Jam Sessions"
I recently fell under the spell of son Cubano thanx to Craft Recordings' red hot "Complete Cuban Jam Sessions" box set!
Check out my review for CultureSonar here.
Be well
JM
Photo Credit: Cachao and His…
Oct 17 2018
New episode of "Breaking It Down With Jeff And John" is live!
Today's episode is entitled "Yesterday And Today." Jeff and I re-examine some of our favorite music from our youth to see if it holds up to our modern-day, grown-up scrutiny. Click the photo and listen to find out what happens…
Jul 26 2018
"BREAKING IT DOWN WITH JEFF AND JOHN" is live!!
http://www.culturesonar.com/breaking-it-down-ep1/
It's been so hard to keep this a secret until now! My dear friend and fellow bassist Jeff Ganz and I have created "Breaking It Down," a music podcast for CultureSonar. We will explore the music, players and…
Feb 18 2018
Sonny Rollins' "Way Out West" at 60: still essential
http://www.culturesonar.com/sonny-rollins-way-out-west/
Sonny Rollins is undoubtedly one of the most influential American jazz musicians of all time. His landmark LP "Way Out West" just turned 60, and Craft Recordings has released a 2-LP deluxe anniversary reissue that's worth every penny…
Dec 31 2017
"Night Music:" NBC's high-art answer to MTV
http://www.culturesonar.com/nightmusic/
For two seasons on NBC (1988-1990) David Sanborn hosted "Night Music," showcasing the finest musicians in jazz, rock, R&B, the blues and everything in between. My final CultureSonar piece for 2017 celebrates this ground-breaking TV series, a "vortex…
Oct 29 2017
FACEBOOK LIVE SOLO BASS HIGHLIGHTS Sunday morning 10.29.17
Sunday morning 10.29.17 11am I switched on the Facebook Live with my bass and jammed for almost 2 hours. Here's the best stuff!
Be well
JM
Oct 25 2017
10 Quintessential Bass Lines in ’80s Pop
http://www.culturesonar.com/10-quintessential-bass-lines-80s-pop/
A young man and his Peavey Fury bass, circa 1987. What music inspired this fine youngster to pick up a bass guitar and learn how to play? How were his sensibilities formed about what the function of…
Oct 18 2017
We've Got Your Back, Mariah Carey
http://www.culturesonar.com/mariah-carey/
My latest piece for CultureSonar is live, extolling the virtues of Mariah Carey. Time to recognize Mimi as the American Cultural Icon that she is!
#ARIESPOWER
Be well
JM