Album Notes

Sut/l Vibes by The Montana Sextet beautifully highlights the legendary Vibraharpist, Vincent Montana, Jr. on a more intimate level, recalling his earlier jazz roots. Giving new life to both classic and modern standards, Montana's instrumental arrangements feature a wide variety of formats from mellow grooves to up-tempo tunes; to a Latin or a laid-back feel, with all tracks topped with spontaneous and soulful vibe solos by the master himself. This smooth and classy compilation is accessible to a wide range of jazz, R&B and Quiet Storm formats and expresses a side to Montana of which he is less known....as an extraordinary jazz musician.

“That’s What Friends Are For” is the theme song to radio host Donnie McKethan’s “Jazz and More” program on WPFW 89.3 FM (Thursdays at 7pm – Washington DC). CD Cover artwork taken from a painting by Montana himself.

During the 50s & 60s, Vincent Montana, Jr. worked in and around Philadelphia'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 creative and driving force behind The Salsoul Orchestra.