Album Notes

Vincent Montana, Jr. blends the spirit and tradition of Christmas into a highly sophisticated and smooth jazz style. Teaming up with the Montana Sextet, "Christmas Time Is Here" offers classic Christmas standards in a soothing laid-back feel showcasing velvety vibes, twinkling chimes, hypnotic congas, funky bass and plenty of solos by the Sextet members. With such excellent instrumentation and musicianship, it's more like a mellow jam session than a Christmas compilation. Jazz lovers, R&B fans and urban contemporary addicts will truly appreciate this effort.

During the 50s & 60s, Montana worked in and around Philly's smokey jazz scene where he was able to hone his craft and interact with such true legends as Charlie (Bird) Parker, Sarah Vaughn, Buddy DeFranco, Stan Getz, Clifford Brown, Red Garland and countless other great musicians and groups of the era. As a session musician for Cameo Parkway and Chancellor Records, he performed on recordings by the likes of Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Fabian and more.

As Producer, Arranger, Conductor and renowned Vibraharpist Montana is best known for his innovative contribution to both the development of the "Philly Sound" as key MFSB rhythm section member and established session musician for Philadelphia International Records as well as chief pioneer of the "Disco Era" as the originator of the legendary Salsoul Orchestra. Without a doubt, one of his most famous albums to date is his 1976 multi-platinum masterpiece "Christmas Jollies" by The Salsoul Orchestra.