Nelson Montana

Nelson Montana is a multi instrumentalist and composer who performs and records in several genres.

Nelson Montana: Left Turn at Tradition

Read "Left Turn at Tradition" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
July 9, 2022

As a showcase for the New York-based multi-instrumentalist Nelson Montana, Left Turn at Tradition works quite well. As a jazz album, rather less so. Montana, who plays bass, guitar, drums, piano and midi keyboards, uses all manner of special effects (and special guests) to achieve his musical purpose. And, as icing on the inclusive cake, he also sings, on seven of the album's eleven numbers. Although Montana takes pains to say--as on the animated “Jimtown Blues"--that “no ...

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Album Review

Nelson Montana: Jazz Un-Standards

Read "Jazz Un-Standards" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
June 5, 2011

Nelson Montana wears many hats on Jazz Un-Standards. Playing, bass, drums, guitar and keyboards, providing all of the arrangements, singing, and producing a record is quite a chore. While Nelson brings some guest horn players and pianist Mark Berman into the fold to help flesh out his interpretations of standards and a pair of originals, the record still comes off like a one-man show in many respects. The ability and desire to take on so many roles is admirable, but ...

"An ambitious solo project that shows serious arranging, plenty of imagination and strong playing."

Reverb Central

"An instrumental tour de force."

Music Matrix

"Nelson's bass playing brings a sense of buoyancy to each piece. His solos are filled with fireworks and his walking lines drive the music. "

All About Jazz

"Nelson exhibits a provocative soundscape for connoisseurs of discriminating taste."

CD Universe