About
Ryan Montana has arrived. Through journeys with industry stars, and studies with music legends, Ryan has developed as a contemporary indie artist belonging to the growing community of studied, genre melding, multi-faceted performers that are taking music back to it's collective roots. A singer-songwriter, jazz saxophonist, recording artist, touring musician, producer and studio engineer, he was born and raised in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Bozeman, and has been living and recording in Southern California for about 6 years. Initially moving to San Diego to serve as the Artist Community Director for MP3.com after studying music performance at The Hartt Conservatory, and Duke University, Ryan has since been an active teacher, studio musician and live performer world-wide. His latest studio time and production work has been with some great up-and-coming artists; Jamie Varley and The Fryday Band, and miss Brandy Vaughan, an amazing singer-songwriter, and the 2004 Gibson Acoustic New Musician Award Winner.
Currently, working alongside Todd Gunnerson, Ryan is promoting the his latest release, "Electric Picture Show," with his new super-group The Ten O'Clock Scholars. He has also been busy putting out the Nu-Jazz album by the group Voce', and the brand new intensely hip "ArmchairIntelligentsia/DancefloorSuperheroes" release by the ever elusive Mr. DSP. As well, he is currently recording and touring internationally with Ike Turner and The Kings of Rhythm.
A world apart from "Electric Picture Show," Ryan's freshman effort on SOTA Records "A Dance Called Life," was produced by the Big Mountain founder, Quino, and was mastered by the legendary Bernie Grundman.
Education and Background:
-Attended The Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford, Connecticut
-Majored in Music Performance and African-American Studies
-Studied with Jackie McLean, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis
-Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
-Majored in Music Performance, with Minor in Cultural Anthropology
-Studied and performed with Paul Jeffrey, Ellis Marsalis, Sonny Rollins
-Lead and orchestrated Duke Big Band during European summer tours
-Arranged music for Duke Concert Jazz Ensemble
Performed in numerous international music workshops and festivals, including:
-Stanford Jazz Workshop & Festivals
-Aspen Jazz /Snowmass Festival sponsored by the Thelonious Monk Institute
-Jazz Montana Festivals
-The SweetPea Festival
-Acqui Terme Jazz Festival, NC International Jazz Festivals (Italy)
-Boys Harbor Music Festivals, East Hampton, NY
-Vienne Jazz Festival (France)
-Kansas City Barbeque and Blues Festival
-Bordeux 24 Hours of Music Festival
-Alicante Jazz Festival
-Rauma Blues Festival
-Santa Blues Festival
-Gexto Jazz Festival
-Sparta Blues Festival
-Adjudicated Jazz composition competitions at the Conservatory of Monaco (FR)
-Studied and taught at various music workshops and festivals throughout Europe
The Personnel:
Ryan Montana-Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Saxophones, Flute, Percussion
Seth Blumberg-Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals
Leo Dombecki-All Keys, Elec. and Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Backing Vocals
Kevin Cooper-Bass
Bill Ray-Drums, Tape Dispenser
Tommy Aros-Percussion
Eve Selis-Backing Vocals (07)