The John Montesante Quintet is a stylish, horn-led Ensemble formed in 1990 by legendary Jazz Trumpeter, Arranger, Composer, John Montesante.
Influenced by bebop, the band offers popular Blue Note standards as well as Montesante's special jazz arrangements - suitable for dancing or listening. The JMQ has gained respect in the discerning jazz scene due to its A-list players, versatility, longevity, entertainment value and ability to perform with any outstanding vocal and musical artists from in or out of town.
The current stellar line-up of Hugh Harvey, Tom Lee, Michael Harding, Tony Hicks & John Montesante, and the diversity of guest Singers performing with the JMQ, gives this band a freshness, versatility and vitality that engages its audience. As well as a variety of jazz gigs, this is illustrated by the JMQ having sustained a quality weekly residency in Melbourne for nearly 16 years, until the 2020 pandemic closed the band's regular venue - but such a track record is a rarity in the modern jazz music scene and attests to the band's excellence.
Over the years the JMQ Ensemble has performed at Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Australian Jazz Conventions, Stonnington Jazz Festival, Fine Food Wine & Music By The Bay Festival, Fox Museum, Ninety-Nine, McClelland Gallery, Exhibition Buildings, International Flower & Garden Show, Ruby Reds, Peninsula @ Atlantic, Paris Cat Jazz Club, Dizzy's Jazz Club - former & current sites, Crown NYE, Myer Family functions, The Commune Cafe-Bar, Leroy's, Paris Cat Jazz Club, Uptown Jazz Club, Bird's Basement, The Jazzlab & Water Rat Hotel, as well as various major events & private and corporate functions. Available for Festivals, Concerts, Venues, Media & all Events, the JMQ offers quality musicianship, great entertainment value and the capacity to perform with any outstanding jazz singer or instrumentalist.
When the band performs at private or corporate gigs, it can offer a guest feature artist from the cream of Australia's jazz singers and musicians as part of the booking, including Wilbur Wilde, Emma Gilmartin, Rebecca Barnard, Tracy Bartram, Julie O Hara, Mel Searle, Louisa Rankin, Alinta Chidzey, Juliarna Clark, Shem Benebig, Matt Kirsch, Craig Schneider, Samantha Morley, Elly Hoyt, Yvette Johansson, Julie O'Hara, Fem Belling, Jacqueline Gawler, James Flynn (WA), Rod Gilbert, Tamara Kuldin, Emma Franz, Rita Satch, Margaret Morrison, Darrin Archer, Mark Elton, Phillip Rex, Tony Floyd, Niko Schauble, Kim May, David Hicks, Nick Haywood, Jeff Duff (NSW) & others.
In 2012, Montesante added a quality 10 piece version of the outfit - The JM Dectet - using his core JMQ musicians and adding four horns and a guitar, to perform his special arrangements for the band. They include: Michael Fraser (lead trumpet), Andrew Serpell (trombone), Tim Wilson (alto sax), Stuart Byrne (baritone sax), James Sherlock(guitar).
The JMQ bands showcase the finest artists, performing outstanding jazz and providing top class entertainment value as well. Available to corporate, festivals, private functions, weddings and dedicated jazz venues or special events.
These are just some of the JMQ tunes you may hear, and we can tailor the singer and repertoire for YOUR function, when required:
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