Monk Montgomery

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Influential Bass Guitarists - Monk Montgomery Overview - Born in 1921, Monk Montgomery did not decide to play music until he was in his late 20’s. Beginning on the double bass, Montgomery got his break when he was asked to join the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. Hampton asked Montgomery to switch to the recently introduced Fender Precision bass, which he did reluctantly. Montgomery is believed to be the first person to tour extensively with the new instrument and he is also believed to be the first to record with the instrument on a commercial release. This was on an album by The Art Farmer Septet released in 1953. Montgomery recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz, including his younger brothers Wes and Buddy Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Hampton Hawes, Hugh Masekela and Johnny Griffin. Montgomery’s solo albums showcase his playing at the front of the band. Playing lead bass, he utilises effects such as fuzz. Playing Style - Montgomery was a jazz bassist and all of his known recordings are in the jazz or funk styles. He wanted to emulate the sound of a double bass on the bass guitar. Therefore, he played the string using a downstroke with his thumb. This gives a fuller and rounder sound than playing with the fingertips. When he started having physical problems with his thumb, he switched to using a felt covered plectrum. Montgomery was adept at playing across the full range of the instrument and his walking bass lines often went into the higher register. As a soloist, he utilised diminished, whole tone and chromatic concepts along with diatonic lines. This was common in the bass styles of the time. Notable Equipment - As one of the earliest performers on the bass guitar, Monk Montgomery played an early version of the Fender Precision bass. He stuck with the instrument for many years. The instrument was stolen and Montgomery switched to a Fender Jazz bass which he played for the rest of his career. He used several amplifiers throughout his career including Fender Bassman, Versatone and Randall RB models. Recommended Listening - Art Farmer Septet - S/T The Mastersounds - Jazz Showcase Monk Montgomery - Bass Odyssey Useful Links - www.monkmontgomery.com.

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