British guitarist reacts to Monte Montgomery's UNIQUE Hendrix cover! 

In the summer of 1999 my next door neighbor who new Monte from Texas previously was helping promote Monte in this area of Illinois. Monte and the band were staying next door on and off that summer. I had started listening to Monte a year previous to that so I knew how talented he was and that people everywhere needed to hear him. I knew Monte was not fond of Napster but his music had to be heard. I started putting it on Napster at that point. You could see what country people were downloading his music from and you could text with them also. I would text with anyone I could that could write in English from Europe and surrounding Countries trying to spread the word about this talented guy. Fast forward to about 2010 and I go see Monte in a club near Chicago. I had seen him many times in between that time but this time was a perfect time for me to tell him about what I did on Napster back in 99. We stayed after the show and he starts talking to me about all these beautiful places he has just been in and played in Europe and really going on and on about it saying it’s like a dream for me a kid that basically grew up in a truck going from town to town with my mom playing to basically live. He then says I have no idea how I got to be so popular in Europe and how my music even got there. I said Monte I will tell you how because your talking to him right now. He looked at me kind of stumped of course. I said remember back in 99 you were not very fond of Napster. He said it was you? From there he just gave me the biggest man hug and says thank you so much I never knew and now I do. So with all the bad that went along with Napster something really good did happen for an unknown artist at that time by the name of Monte Montgomery.

I have seen Monty perform live many times over the years and had the chance to casually speak with him a few. Beyond his STUNNING abilities, he is a very humble and gracious individual. Just a very very good person with a very clever and witty sense of humor. He engages well with the audience from the stage, just a pleasure to see in person. Go catch a live set if you can.

Unlike Al Dimeola (at a Les Paul tribute, after Dimeola finished one of his lightening fast non stop pieces, Paul commented that "they'll be humming that one in the way home tonight"), Montgomery is also lightening fast but NEVER loses the song. This is a beautiful rendition of Joni Hendrix's best composition. Beautiful performance.

a great performer who adds his special talents to is originals and covers.

Monte honored the artist who gave us this amazing piece of musical art, while making it uniquely his own! Many may cover Hendrix's classic, Little Wing: but I expect that no one will try and cover Montgomery's powerful rendition! Great dissection and critique, Sir Pegasus!

I had no idea that people outside of Texas even knew about this guy. The first time I saw him he was solo opening for Lover Boy and Heart. He was not on the bill when I bought my tickets. I thought who the heck is this. He amazed me but by the end of the saw after watching heart I coulnd't remember who he was. Then a couple of years later I saw him in a small venue in McKinney, TX called the Guitar Sanctuary, BTW, the best place in the world to see anyone who will perform in a small venue. He wa opening I think for Andy Timmons, and then I went back to see him there agian. Very fum performer to watch. (He can sing good too, BTW)

His version of Daryl Hall's 'Sara Smile' is also in this set. Years ago I sent it to Daryl Hall, who I guessed would (and did) enjoy it. So much so that he invited MM to appear on 'live from Daryl's house', which, if you haven't seen it is excellent, possibly a classic!

This is the first time I've heard of this guy, but he's definitely got his licks down. Great video man. Peace!

Thanks man glad you’ve found him. Can see the enjoyment on your face. I’m always amazed-an acoustic guitar. 👍

Here's another one Fil! A guy I've never heard of before, who's name should be known by everyone! I'm definitely gonna watch some more of this guy before the day is over! What a talent! Thanks for bringing him to our attention!👍😎🎸🎶

I've seen Monty a few times. One time I won tickets to see him, Van Wilks and others at a gig in Austin, Texas ~2001. While others were playing, me and him talked one on one for almost an hour backstage. I got his & Van Wilks autographs. They all got on the stage for an encore and they handed him an electric guitar. He made the comment that he can't play electric but yet he did fine. His definitely has a strong left hand using the neck of that acoustic. He has some great originals also... I suggest checking out "When Will I" (Austin City Limits gig is a good one. There are some longer versions also). It was a fun night... 🔥🎸🔥

Saw him at Saxon pub in austin a zillion times…dude could slay on those days…

Hey Fil! I'm glad you got around to checking out Monte! He's really one of a kind. It's amazing that, after a number of repairs, his Alvarez-Yairi guitar still works!

Love it when others put there own spin on things. Very cool to watch. Great call Fil.

Really enjoy the vid's Fil and always with a positive spin which makes them 1000% more enjoyable. I believe Monte received a Grammy nod for his studio performance of Little Wing.

Thank you for the walk through!

I've known Monte since the mid 80's, I remember when he bought that guitar.

I've you've ever seen Last Man Standing, he did the Acoustic riff at the beginning of the show.

I actually fixed that guitar before a show at the Kitchen Pass in Joplin, MO. Monte had done the string pull at a show the night before and was restringing when we got to the venue early. A piece of the low E was stuck in the locking tuner and he couldn't get it out. All he had was a little crescent wrench and a pair of pliers. I whipped out my Uncle Henry pocket knife and picked it out of there for him. We've been fans since ACL in 99.

It's the mid 90s, Saxon Pub on South Lamar in Austin, TX... Monte would do solo shows to a packed bar. He came and sat at our table in between sets, where I politely told him I was turning my guitar into a coffee table after hearing him play. Thanks for showcasing such a Texas Legend!

Thank you for turning us on to this. To me, this is perfection. Both the style, the uniqueness and individuality, and all that again with the execution of the music. That’s the way I play, and I love it. Just the fact that I can play music and it be exciting as this recording is. What a joy it is.❤️🎸

Saw Monte perform a few times back when I lived in Austin. He’s an amazing player. Glad to see him on your channel!

I just saw him in Austin Tx. for the 15th time at the Saxon Pub. He was magical as always and let's not forget how good of a singer and songwriter he is also.

PHIL!!! I've thought about turning you on to this video a million times and just never did it. I'm so stoked you you found it! You and Monte both are the real deal. Thank you for keeping real talent and real music alive.

Thanks for posting, always heard about this guy, phenomenal guitarist!!!!

FIL, THANKS FOR THE VIDEO AND YOUR GREAT COMMENTS, I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PERSON BEFORE, THANK YOU, I HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS SONG PLAYED ON AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR, THIS IS OUSTANDING, THE PLAYING, THE HARMONICS, WOW, TOTALLY GREAT, MY HAT IS OFF, COUSIN FIGEL

Another great analysis mate. Know Monte -- amazing. He keeps it true to the original but it's his. Underrated singer as well. Thank you for your channel mate. Always learn something... James

Fil, Great as always, I'm learning a lot. Thank!

Back in the 90's Monte lived here in San Antonio and did a weekly gig at a local place. Just him, his guitar, and a mic. I think it was a free show every Tuesday but it's been so long that I might be off on that. Quite a few of those nights I sat in amazement at his abilities. Being a guitar player myself, I'd love to just have a portion of what he's got. He was amazing back then and has only gotten better with time. It's awesome to see where he's gotten to so that so many more people get to hear him.

I was in Memphis and saw he was playing at a small club. I was thrilled to get the chance to see him live, but when we called, the show had been cancelled. I still hope to see him live.

Wow just listened to this guy on Spotify and came here to see if you reviewed him and you have! Thanks!

Man your great with you analysis. So glad I found your channel. Thank you for Monte, I was going to suggest one of his live recordings of ‘when will I’ but I’ve never seen the video of it, just the record release. It has a close up of his guitar laying almost flat with lots of green and red. Anyway great channel.

Monty is one of those hidden guitar geniuses people from Texas get to hear him all the time but I think he's been ranked in the top 50 best acoustic guitarists a couple of times and he's something else he's got another song that he did on Austin City Limits that was one of his more popular songs in the back in the day and it is just phenomenal what he's doing. But it's really kind of a shame that more people don't know about this guy cuz he's he's phenomenal. RLTW 3/75

I'm glad you picked up on the link I sent you a few weeks ago. Or maybe others did the same? Anyway, the last count I heard on broken necks was either five or six. Alvarez does a quick turn repair for Monte. He won't let them rebuild the whole guitar so the top is getting pretty thin! Thanks for doing this one Fil............

I've loved this MM song for 15 years. My favourite parts are when he hits a harmonic, then slides up from the nut to raise the pitch of the harmonic. Brilliant. PS. You're smiling more in this video than vids I've seen before. Cheers!! Thanks for the review. Steve.

Back on line bloody internet connection!! Been listening to Monte for along time! Really innovative and amazing fretboard skills.l saw Jeff Beck do something similar with his guitar strings once! Great vid Fil the man is one of a kind ! Brilliant!!

Absolutely brilliant version. Superb virtuosity.

Glad to see Monte in your series. Living in Texas I've been lucky enough to see Monte live multiple times and he's been absolutely amazing every time. Great series you've got going, Fil, hope to see much more and looking forward to the release of the Wings of Pegasus album. Rock on!

Just another little tidbit about Monte is that he does all the music for the hit tv show last man standing

Wow! Great review! Thanks for showing me this amazing player, Very nice thanks bro!

What a fantastic and original guitar player ! He is amazing and one of a kind !

Great job Fil, I've never heard of Monte before....He is awsome....Thank you for introducing me to the music.

Very expressive, very unique, and very thoughtful cover! I really enjoyed this video. Cudos to the one who recommended it! 🖒

Incredible!!

I really enjoy your channel, your great analysis and your positive attitude. Very refreshing. I am very fortunate to live in Texas and I have seen Monte play many times. Seeing him live is amazing. He has a great voice and is a talented songwriter as well. Lindsey Buckingham was a big influence on him. Thanks again for your channel. Your videos always put a smile on my face!

Been a fan of Monte's for a while. Not only is he incredibly dextrous on the guitar (his fingers), but his understanding of everything musical, and his ability to always change up his runs is truly astonishing. Keep in mind, he uses Ultra-light strings. He's the Lionel Messi of acoustic guitar.

Fifty-plus years of listening to and playing guitar, and somehow I missed this guy until now. Thanks, Fil, for sharing this; it's criminal this vid has less than 7200 views. Not sure if you've analyzed any videos of Michael Hedges or Jon Gomm (a younger disciple of Hedges who's taken the solo acoustic guitar even further), but if not... queue it up, brother!

Another brilliant player I've never seen. Thank you Fil!

Wow. Just wow!

Very interesting player who keeps you interested with all the different techniques. I really enjoyed watching him . He is definitely unique !

Dint have my glasses on at the 1st an I thought wow , that is the longest neck guitar I've ever seen , Then it went over to the guy playin an acoustic guitar ! I says to mama , "Mama git in here lookit that !" She waddled in here an adjusted her glasses and said "oh my"....my sentiments exactly !

If you ever get a chance to see him live, do it! You won't be disappointed! I brought my boyfriend from London to a Monte gig in Austin...blew his mind! Monte is also a great guy! Thank you for doing this video. I was hoping you'd review Monte. Cheers!

insanely beautiful

OH! Also Six-String Wooden Friend from NAMM

AMAZING PLAYING

I love the Harmonic he plays at the end of a phrase

The french word for "excellent" is: "excellent"!...Amazing! :) Thanks again, and I'm glad to teach you some french ;)

Saw Monte several times in Austin. One of a kind. The roughest on his guitar I have ever seen as he would do anything to get a sound he wanted. I always thought it was interesting that he played an acoustic that was so electrified that it sounded like an electric guitar but he could still turn everything down and play a gentle acoustic number also. He loved the acoustic as he could get those percussive effects by banging on it.

Thanks Phil. Great job as usual.

Very enjoyable.I have never heard of this guy before.Good analysis as per usual.

Truly amazing how unique each player is . Thats what i love about watching your video's . No matter how much you are taught to play you either got it or you dont .some are just true gods . Given a gift from God.

Hey Fil,AWESOME video...I've been playing all my life so I understand this guy has PROBABLY been playing strictly this style acoustic for DECADES.He's one of those"upper stratosphere" players(just so good it's jaw droppingly amazing).LOTS,& LOTS of practice & a HUGE natural gift make all this possible.awesome Brother.CHEERS!!!✌✌..."ROCK"!!!!

There are other videos of Monty playing this song that focus on him during the intro. His version of Daryl Hall's Sara Smile is another must see and features Monty's singing ability as well

One of the best players ever ! A computer would have trouble keeping up with him!

That is a classic Monte live show. He regularly extends the middle parts of melodies, leaving the crowd nearly begging in anticipation for those final notes that close the tune out.

Holy Cow This guy crushes it... Never seen him before ..Great pic, Fil as always !!

The future of guitar,looks healthy,so many players are putting heart and soul ,into their playing.

Another guitarist I've never heard of. Thanks for turning us to a great player !!

I couldn't decide if I needed to practice a lot more or quit after I started watching the first time, but by the end I was just grateful to be on the same planet. Monte is a BEAST

This is a cool version of a great tune. Cheers Fil!

Fabulous player really enjoyed that

Freaking awesome!

Hello Fil,was waiting on the video.You were a little late this time so watching it the next day.

Never heard of him , I do now! Thanks Fil! An acoustic?🎸! Oh my Goodness!!!Unbelievable! Can’t believe the sounds coming out of that well worn guitar! He is a master of that fretboard ! Wow! Goals🎸( not in my lifetime but hey I can dream!)

He's amazing on the acoustics guitar but in live shows, he sometimes pulls out a Parkery Fly custom electric to play Little Wing.

Love that cover

We definitely need some Ernie Isley and Eddie Hazel reactions

(posted this in another thread, but guess I'll post it here, too) The first time I saw Monte play was in Lafayette, LA in 2002. I walked up behind this little short guy, right next to the stage. Monte was sitting on the edge of the stage playing Knopfler's Romeo & Juliet. The little guy I was standing behind turned around, and it was Harry Shearer of The Simpsons fame. "Wow!" was all he said. Great memory. I've seen him 4 times since. Always blows "newbies" away. home.earthlink.net/~uncleslayton/photos/postpics/Monte1.jpg

Fil, So glad you feature Monte. I consider myself lucky to have seen Monte many many times at small venues like the one in the video. My buddies and I would have a few beers at the Saxon Pub in Austin Wednesday nights because, well... because that's the night Monte played. Anyways, Great video! Thanks! p.s. He does a great rendition of Mark Knoffler's Romeo and Juliet. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hspQv-vXe2w.html

The Jimi Hendrix of acoustic guitar. Wow!!!

wow !!!! great player been looking for a guitarist who plays wild and great on acoustic look no further

Oh my God I went back to the clip and all the sudden you say, " okay I'm just going to jump right in here" 🤣

Jimi be in heaven watchin like "Yeah Monte, you diggin the creative freedom I was going for, well played sir."

Never heard of him but I like hidden treasure. I’ll definitely follow him now. Thanks. Incredible find. (At least.. for me)

🎼🎵Great video 🎸 Style's sounds great 🤘 🙋

I love Monte's way of playing 'Little Wing'! I've seen countless performances of him playing it, both on video and live, and no two are alike. He doesn't have a "standard" rendition of it. It's totally improvised every time. The only thing that's remains the same and that makes it truly his own version is his signature syncopated beat that he plays. The first time I heard him play it I didn't recognize it right away. I sat there thinking there was something familiar about it but couldn't put my finger on it until he'd played through several... (variations? progressions? You know what I mean.) His bass player at the time, Lonnie Trevino, actually sang the lyrics, which few people do anymore, giving it an amazing soulful vocal rendition that I think Hendrix would have loved. I had mostly heard only instrumental versions of it and wasn't familiar with the lyrics, so it wasn't until he got to the end with "Fly on, Little Wing" that I finally made the connection.

Badass rendition of Little Wing !! Absolutely beautiful !! Exceptional pick Fil ! Cheers ! ! \m/✌

Man, that was crazy cool. Got a little EVH, Eric Johnson and Michael Hedges in his groove and technique. Really fun to watch.

Wow he is spot on so far.

Great video Fil.

Man, he used to play ALOT here in San Antonio in the late 80s. Vastly underrated, always has been. Good choice... To spread the word!!

MONTY MONTGOMERY IS BEYOND INCREADIBLE

Monte grabs those harmonics by the balls.

Never heard of this guy until today he is fantastic! It’s obvious he has been playing a long time I’ve never seen anyone play acoustic guitar like this! Just great! Thanks fil here is someone else you need to check out is the great Scotty Anderson out of Cincinnati Ohio another tele player like Danny gatton

I used to go to his concerts when he played in smaller venues back in 2005. We would go to a place called Dan's Silver Leaf in Denton, TX. There were only 3 tables at the front of the stage, and the rest was standing only, so we would arrive 2 hours early to get a table. One night he came in shortly after I did and started to change his strings at my table. He said he plays so hard that he has to change his strings for each concert. I asked him if I could keep his old strings. He said yes, so I had him sign the new box and I then put the old strings in that. I would think there is enough DNA on them to clone him if I wanted to. After watching your video and hearing you talk about the strings, I went and got the pack out of my drawer. He used D'Addario Acoustic Guitar Light EXP16s at the time. I am thinking that he would rip off his strings when he was done for the night and didn't want to do any more enc ours, plus it added to the theatrics. It is my theory though cause the crowd wouldn't stop screaming each time he left the stage. Those were magical times where I could sit 6 feet from his guitar and be bathed in memorizing and surreal talent. Not only mind blowing solos, but so many other notes played at the same time, that it sounded like he had two other guitars backing him up. One time after playing that song a guy yelled out "DAMN, that was a lot of notes." He said "Yah, Maybe we should rename it to A Lot of Notes."

Lots of very hard miles on that old guitar. Hard on a guitar to rip the strings off like that. I didn't know about this guy. He's great! Great video.

Extraordinary technique. Unique phrasing. Can play the shit out of a guitar. I have one Monte CD. I listened to it once, but not since. Lotta talent, I appreciate how he does what he does, it just doesn't move me.

Man I can just smell the Jazz oozing outta this bad guys fingers. All on acoustic. Blazingly interesting runs bending is huge and really hard to do with fatter strings. Spot on again man. 9 fingers tonight Fil. Got two still in a cast but still practicing. Rock on!

Awesome video, if you’ve lived in Texas then you know who Monte is. He has a very unique and weird jazzy style, I’m glad you did a video on him so more people know who he is. He also wrote the theme song for the second version of the show Home Improvement.

Hey Fill thank you for showing this performance. I so wish l could play like that.for some its easy for others its harder. I like it easy.lol