Monte Montgomery

(Harmonic)

Monte Montgomery is a world-class guitarist. The difference between Austin’s own and guitar gods such as Richard Thompson and Mark Knopfler remains his songs. Montgomery continually composes insipid lyrics and flat melodies that no amount of guitar flash can rescue, and this self-titled effort is more of the same. He allows more room for extended solos this time out, the angular midsection of “Could’ve Loved You Forever” impressive, but there’s little need for another version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing,” which Montgomery abuses with Satriani-like results. If anything, he seems to have taken a page from Dave Matthews’ jazzy rhythms and heavy riffs on “Company You Keep” and “Let’s Go.” Aside from guitar histrionics, Montgomery offers little to distance himself from just another singer-songwriter. Perhaps an all-instrumental album might bear repeat listening.

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This article appears in John McCain.

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