Who is John Montesante?

 

John Montesante's first musical passion has always been 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' at that time, needed to diversify to survive as a professional musician...doing session work, playing in various big bands, touring bands, show orchestras and TV show bands.

Playing trumpet, flugel and keyboards, he founded Australia's only Soul Supergroup, the 13 piece Grand WaZoo - in 1981. Then, he introduced his 20 piece Big Band, JM's Café Society Orchestra, and in 1990, his modern jazz combo, John Montesante Quintet (JMQ), performing BeBop & Standards with the best players in the country. During 2013 John formed an expanded 10 x piece version of the band, to breathe life into his dedicated jazz arrangements. This new outfit is called The JMQ Jazz Dectet

John has also been an expert Jazz Educator for many years, with some of his initiatives being included in the Jazz Curriculum. Available for Festivals, Concerts, Venues, Corporate and Private events, Montesante's bands are reputed for their musical quality and unmatched experience.