Reader Spotlight: Nelson Montana

Nelson MontanaMeet Nelson Montana, a musician who plays eleven instruments in total. But thankfully, he claims the bass as his primary one. While he started out on other instruments, he said he fell in love with the bass, “the feel, the sound, and the majesty of it.” We dig that.

Nelson also has some great thoughts on music, bass, composition and more. Check out his story in this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight.

Bio:

For years I played bass full time, performing live and in the studio in the highly competitive New York music scene, working with many world class musicians. Although I love performing, I felt I needed a break from being a “sideman” and today, I’m rediscovering my roots and am concentrating on getting back to being an artist.

Though bass is my main axe, I play 11 instruments, and now with the availability of home recording equipment, I can do everything from playing all the instruments on my original music to classic covers to orchestrating full symphonies, as well as some solo bass work – all of which I’ve done and have posted on YouTube… over 200 videos in total. In fact, I’ve been featured in an online article: “The Top 10 You Tube Channels for Bass Players.” My goal is to continue growing and exploring as a musician and as a producer and engineer, helping others realize their own artistic vision.

Location:

New York City

Day gig:

Musician/Producer/Freelance Writer

Years experience:

Over 20 years now!

Bands & Gigs:

Currently I’m mostly producing and engineering, but I still do freelance gigs in the New York area. To work in New York, you need a very eclectic set of skills. You have to know tons of songs, have good ears to pick up on what you may not know, and you have to be able to groove, swing, rock and read. (Though I’m not the greatest sight reader, I’m at least functional and depend on my ears, my knowledge of theory and my instincts to get by).

Gear:

  • American Standard Jazz Bass
  • Music Man Sting Ray
  • 1987 ’62 Reissue Fender Precision
  • Hofner
  • Ibanez SR500
  • Ibanez Soundgear 5 string
  • Rickenbacker 4003
  • Squier Jazz Deluxe
  • A “Franken-fretless” (Fretless bass made from parts — MIM J Body, Dimarzio pups, custom built polyurethaned jazz neck).
  • Mark Bass head
  • Acoustic Image
  • Bergantino 1 12″ cab
  • Hartke 1 12″ cab
  • Fender Strat
  • Les Paul Jr
  • Gretch Drum Set
  • Piano
  • Midi Keyboard
  • Set of Harmonicas

Why I play the bass:

I began as a drummer and learned to play some piano in order to compose. Then came guitar and bass (bought them both on the same day) and I fell in love with the bass – the feel, the sound, and the majesty of it. I started out not learning bass parts, but playing melodies by ear, and that shaped my future style. Once I started understanding voice leading and how the bass directs it, my understanding of composition and arranging took on a deeper dimension. I believe every musician should have knowledge of the role of the bass. It makes you a better overall musician.

My bass superpower/claim to fame:

I pride myself on being both an artist and a good craftsman. That requires being able to play in many styles and do it authentically. At the same time, I believe it’s up the musician to put their personal stamp on the music and offer something unique to the listener. I have chops – enough to play some fancy/fast stuff, but I’m not a shredder, nor do I care to be. One critic referred to my style as “melodic, yet with a strong rhythmic sensibility.” I’ll take that.

My influences:

Two of my biggest influences are polar opposites of each other: James Jamerson and Chris Squire. Jamerson is all about the funk and the bottom with a deep thuddy sound, and Squire’s genius is his soaring lines and contrapuntal figures played with a bright sound. Naturally, Sir Paul influenced us all. Gary Thain is another guy — a lesser bassist who did some great stuff. Glen Cornick too. But of course, every great player leaves an impact. I love Steve Harris, Louis Johnson, Scott La Faro, Bernard Edwards, John Paul Jones, Milt Hinton, Anthony Jackson, Bootsy Collins, Greg Lake, Tommy Shannon… too many!!!

Videos:

More on the web:

My official site is at nelsonmontanamusic.com. CD Baby carries my albums. Plus, the videos on YouTube.

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  1. Thanks to no treble for this feature article. I should clarify that some of the equipment includes and upright bass and and acoustic guitar, which is vital to composing contemporary music. I also sing and play various percussion. I also meant that Gary Thain is lesser “known” — certainly not a lesser player. And how can I forget Jaco and Jeff Berlin? Two of the greats! Feel free to post questions, comments and critiques on any of my music videos. They are all welcome.

  2. Kicked off of almost all music and guitar/bass related sites you can think of.

    • Hi Are,

      I’m not sure if you’re being facetious but thanks for asking anyway.

      Yep — banned from three sites to be exact. And I’m somewhat proud of it.

      I, along with Jeff Berlin (so I’m in good company) was banned from talkbass because of the same reason — we’d respond to antagonistic remarks. That, ironically, is considered worse than starting an argument because it’s “escalating” an argument. That isn’t allowed. And rules are rules — as stupid as they may be. I’ve spoke to Jeff about it and we laugh how they did us a favor since we no longer have to waste our time trying to make sense to stupid kids looking to pick fights. (Though some of the members are very cool).

      I was also cut from “allaboutjazz” when I posted a very favorable review of my “Jazz Unstandards” album from Dan Billowsy who is highly regarded on the site. One mod who had previously berated my performance was aptly embarrassed so he had me banned.

      And on Bassplayer ( which has just has a handful of people) one mod who liked being the ringleader didn’t like that I kept posting vids of my music — claiming I was showing off and wasting the readers time.

      So here’s the deal….There will always be people who are petty or bitter or jealous of others who’ve done something that they haven’t — or can’t. In the meantime, I’ve gotten my music heard to tens of thousands of people. My recording studio is doing well. I’m gigging in New York City. I’ve been written up as one of the “Top 10 Bass Players on Youtube” and I just did a radio interview about the state of modern music. Meanwhile those people with whom I had issues are still on message boards arguing with other losers. A lesson to be learned.

      • Shills

        Roid rage much?

      • That sounded like rage? You must be a very sensitive individual, though ironically, you seem to have no problem being an instigator. I can’t understand why people can’t just play and enjoy music instead of making everything an argument. Sad.