Customer Reviews

Wishing Well

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A real Montiac (a true Monte Montgomery fan) can appreciate the entire artist package that Monte presents on this CD. If you are buying the CD to hear mind blowing guitar riffs (such as those found on Mirror), then you may be disappointed. This CD focuses on songs, not necessarily the guitar. The songs are much shorter than on prior CD's, thus not allowing his amazing guitar skills to shine through. I can only assume that the purpose of shorter songs is to get radio play. Having the incredible guitar talent overshadows, to some extent, his knack for writing lyrics that are both thought provoking and heart felt. Highlights on this CD are Wishing Well, Soldier at his Best and Broken Arms. But if you really want to see what Monte is all about, go to a live show. No CD can do his incredible talent justice. I can only hope for a live CD down the line.

Monte Montgomery, the guitar guru that will leave you speechless and playing his solos from his last album, Mirror, over and over again has done it again. This new album demonstrates his song writing brilliance and vocal talent as much as Mirror demonstrated his striking guitar genius.

He has once again surrounded himself with world class musicians such as drummer, vocalist, and Juilliard graduate Phil Bass, and the extremely talented bass guitarist Chris Maresh who has supported musicians Kelly Willis and Chris Smither to name a couple. Fiddle player Jane Clark in "Sunset Lullaby" really *makes* this song. Lonnie on the bass guitar of "All On Me" is just plain fun to listen to. He's great live too, if you get the chance to see them play.

This album reveals more background vocals from members of the band and guests including Maggie Montgomery and Lisa Tingle. These background vocals complete the sound of the album and the songs in a way that earn "Wishing Well" a permanent spot in any 5 disc player or 6 disc changer.

Montes vocal talent has matured and developed into a talent that rivals his playing ability and it shows in this new album. His voice in "Catch Me" will catch you by surprise at how fantastic he sounds.

And if you're needing to hear his guitar playing because you just can't get enough - this album won't leave you wanting. The long solo in "All On Me" is just one example of the jaw dropping, eye popping (if you could only see this guy play these songs) virtuosic solos you're used to from Mirror and 1st and Repair.

All in all, this album is the most complete album he has that brings out his guitar playing, songwriting, and vocal talent more than the previous albums combined. Monte Rocks Again.

Known primarily to date for his virtuosic guitar skills, Monte Montgomery really steps out of the box on his latest CD, Wishing Well. He made a conscious decision to put his astonishing fretwork on the back burner and concentrate more on the songwriting and singing on this offering. This was a risky move on his part, but he has proven on this CD that he is more than just a killer guitar player. His singing really shines on this disc, and there is a lot of beautiful and intricate vocal harmony to enjoy. His voice is sturdy, powerful and soulful. It also has a wonderful chameleon quality to it that allows Montgomery to adapt it perfectly to the mood and texture of the individual song. There really are no "throwaway" cuts on this disc, but there are several tracks that just shine. "Wishing Well", the title track, is a wonderful piece of poetry that anyone that has ever had a dream can relate to. "Broken Arms" is an uptempo, breezy number that the listener can't help but sing along with. "Soldier At His Best" has some great percussive guitar work and a "raw" feel to it. "Bagpipe" is a beautiful (but alas, too short) Celtic-flavored instrumental that has a sparkly, glimmery feel to it that is just like a brand new diamond. "All On Me" is a slow, melancholic ballad that has some of the blazing guitar work that has made Montgomery (almost) famous.My favorite of all though is the beautiful "Sunset Lullaby" an obviously semi-autobiographical piece that has an ethereal choir on the chorus. When one realizes that the "heavenly chorus" that you are hearing consists only of Montgomery himself (he also does not only all of the guitar but piano too)it goes from being merely beautiful to absolutely stunning.His ear for harmony and melody is amazing. And as always, his lyrics border on genius. He has an uncanny knack for taking what seems to be cliche on the surface and turning it inside out to mean something totally different. Although this disc is quite different from his previous two (which were GREAT),it showcases yet another facet of this gem of an artist. Montgomery himself has said (paraphrasing a little here) that he is on a journey as a recording artist which includes growing and challenging himself as a songwriter and a producer. For a mere [price]folks, you can ride shotgun on this trip and listen and watch as this extraordinary talent grows into his own brilliance. BUY THIS CD!!!

I mention Bruce Cockburn because of his phenomenal song-writing skills - Monte Montgomery shares this talent! I mention the late Danny Gatton because he and Monte share a distinction - Best Guitarist Nobody's Heard of! Listen to this CD! Fabulous voice! Great guitar work! Great production! Listen to "wishing well" and email me if you don't think Monte is as good as anyone out there! I'll send you a certificate for a martini on my deck if you don't agree with my assessment of this young talent. His band is great, too!

Monte Montgomery's recently released CD "Wishing Well" demonstrates just how multi-talented this artist truly is as this recording ventures in a new direction from his earlier efforts. While known as one of the top guitarists on the planet, he chose to de-emphasize his incredible guitar prowess and accentuate his brilliant songwriting and vocal talents that come straight from the soul. Tracks from the CD are certain to get radio airtime, which should win the hearts of a new and broader audience. I strongly recommend you put "Wishing Well" in your cart then go see Monte Montgomery live to watch the passion that makes his music take on a complete new dimension.

Monte Montgomery has been WOW'ing crowds in Texas with his blazing live performances for years. But in these days of hip-hop, rap metal and such, radio has overlooked this master songwriter far too much.

Furthermore Monte is one of the single most gifted guitarists on the planet. And he sings great too. What more could you ask for? Why, recognition of course.

Hopefully with a new record label and a little luck, this is the new release (July 31, 2001) that helps put Montgomery on his rightful place on the map. If the recording doesn't convince you, make sure to watch for him at a live appearance. That will change your mind! And then you'll be glad you had the CD and already knew some of these songs.

No, I don't in any way work for Monte. But I've seen the future of the rising guitar wizards and my money is on Monte. I can only hope I helped you feel the same.

Wishing Well is full of radio-friendly songs (but in what market?). Everything is sung and written beautifully. It is not a collection of lengthy guitar jams you might get in the later part of one of his awesome live gigs, but do check out the second half on a song like All on Me for taste of what that's like.

Lyrically, the first two songs "Tug of War" and the title cut "Wishing Well" show Monte's prowness for fine lyric-penning also.

Altogether a fine recording. Lyrics are included inside also.

This band's contextual value is superb. The best track, in my opinion is number 5, "Tommorrow Begins With Today". It has a devilishly good piano part, and phenomenal lyrics. Or, another great track is "Sunset Lullaby". Monte showed sensational emotions in this song, and he adds the fiddle incredibly, played by Jane Clark. This album has a massive amount of potential, that is why I give it the five stars it deserves.

Monte Montgomery has developed a growing and devoted following in recent years, thanks in part to his acoustic guitar pyrotechnics on Austin City Limits and in his legendary live shows. Now, on Wishing Well, Monte has intentionally put his guitar god status on the back burner with a sparkling pop/rock album that showcases his abilities as a singer and songwriter. This CD is full of real gems, ranging from catchy and upbeat (I Know What You Want) to sweet and sentimental (Sunset Lullabye) to lushly romantic (Catch Me) to quiet and introspective (Erased), and more. Die-hard fans (Montiacs) are already well aware of Monte's talents as a singer and songwriter. Now Wishing Well proves that his six-string prowess is but one side of the talent triangle. Buy this CD, open up the liner notes and read the lyrics. Then listen as the poet puts his words to music. Monte Montgomery is a real treasure, and Wishing Well is a terrific CD.

It can be really hard for one to leave the familiar behind. Monte, possess all the guitar prowess legends are made of yet, puts that aside for this album. His writing ability takes a picture of his own soul and translates it to a series of 1s and 0s for the listener to picture, and relate to. This is a must have for all appreciators of good American Music.

For each of us, there is what we do and who we are. Often, those boundaries become blurred.

I've often thought of Monte's guitar playing as what he does and his songwriting as who he is. I don't think we could have possibly hoped for a more sincere and honest look at who Monte is from this piece of work. It also has just the right amount of what he does to please and excite.