He is joined (at times) by Rob Smith (drums/percussion), Adam Garnys (sax), John Mangan (bass), Karl Dietel (keyboards) and Kim Williams (piano/violin)
Influences
A PERFECT REALITY AT 29 ON JAMBANDS.COM RADIO CHARTS!
Jeff Tweedy, Neil Young, Jack Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Walter Sopchak, Jerry Garcia, Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Trey Anastasio, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Steve Zissou, Radiohead, Woody Guthrie, Sam Berg...AND SO MANY MORE
Mike Montrey is a singer-songwriter with lead guitar prowess who has been credited with creating a style that is a “melodic achievement”. Montrey mixes somber acoustic drones with upbeat saxophone laced grooves and driving guitars, while adding an alt-country feel with thought provoking lyrics to create a sound that is truly original. With his debut solo release, “a perfect reality”, Montrey has created a wonderful slate of music.
As a founding member of the highly successful jam-outfit, “…water…”, Montrey has built a reputation as being a commanding front-man. And most recently, his inclusion as a guitarist/vocalist for the epic rock band, The Samples, has cemented his legacy as one of the most recognizable musicians to come out of New Jersey’s fertile music scene.
“One of the scene’s most commanding frontmen, and inventive guitarists” – Upstage Magazine
More notable appearances across the country have included; The Highline Ballroom (NYC), The Bitter End (NYC), The Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ), The House of Blues (Dallas, TX, Atlantic City, NJ and Boston, MA), Tipitina’s Uptown (New Orleans, LA), Nectar’s (Burlington, VT), Ascot Terrace (Hollywood, CA), Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), SXSW Music Fest (Austin, TX).
Montrey is a member of BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) and all of his written material is published there, including three studio efforts with “…water…”, and the aforementioned “a perfect reality”.
