In spite of all the "six-string notoriety", and just in case you didn't "know-tice", Monte isn't just a "guitar hero", "shred master" or "guitar god" as he's most often described. No, actually Monte Montgomery is much more than just a world-class guitar virtuoso with more new tricks up his fret board than your average "guitar slinger". What sets Monte apart from all others is that he's one of the most accomplished songwriters of our time, a remarkable singer and an extraordinary music arranger. Many of Monte's fans attend his concerts simply to hear his compelling vocals as he delivers his finely penned songs powerfully and passionately. To some, his incredible guitar pyrotechnics are simply an addition of tasty icing topping off a delicious cake.
Monte's latest release "Monte Montgomery At WorkPlay" (Harmonic Records - 2005), available in CD and DVD versions is a double barrel treat offering fans a visual dimension of Monte's incredible power packed live performance recorded Live at WorkPlay Theater in Birmingham, Alabama.
Monte grew up immersed in music, playing professionally since his teens and is currently one of the hottest draws on the talent-packed Austin, TX music scene and throughout the U.S. where he is well known for his electrifying performances. Monte was the first ever to be named by Guitar One Magazine on their list of Top 10 Best Undiscovered Guitarists in America and is the only winner of the "Best Acoustic Guitar Player" for 7 Years in a Row at the Austin Music Awards.
As Acoustic Guitar Magazine notes, "Monte Montgomery is not your typical up-and-coming guitar god. His exquisitely crafted, melodically and rhythmically sophisticated pop songs suggest the best of Fleetwood Mac, Squeeze and The Police, while just happening to integrate the most mind-boggling guitar work in the state of Texas."
Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Monte first learned piano and trumpet, and was an avid listener to pop radio. After moving to Texas at the age of 12, he joined the legendary musical scene around the restored town of Luckenbach and began his impressive rise as a musical talent. Performing with his mother at a popular Hill Country picking parlor he quickly absorbed everything he could. By his mid-teens, Monte was playing gigs on his own around Austin and San Antonio, both with bands as an electric guitarist and in a variety of acoustic configurations. During this time Monte developed his guitar chops as he absorbed the work of respected players such as Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, Mark Knopfler, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Lee, Steve Vai, Steve Morse and Larry Carlton. "I like it all," he explains of his musical influences.
Leading his own band, Monte began developing his trademark electrified acoustic guitar style. "I started playing acoustic at the beginning of each set, the response was so overwhelming that I kept the acoustic up there longer and longer. Then I just started playing all acoustic. I found I could do anything on an acoustic guitar I could do on an electric if I turned it up loud enough."
After living and playing in San Antonio for a time, Monte set out to make his mark in the highly competitive Austin musical community. Starting with a $50 half-hour gig at a small Austin Pub on a Tuesday night, Monte quickly attracted packed houses and graduated to filling the biggest clubs in the city. His live performances and albums have earned him words of praise in the music press and an ever-widening touring circuit throughout the U.S. As Texas Monthly noted, "He brings taste, precision, economy and a playful sense of timing to popish songs with sturdy hooks and sings in a voice that's equal parts grit and sunshine. And when you have the ability to make one guitar sound like two, who needs any more support than bass and drums."
Monte caught the ear of Austin City Limits producer Terry Lickona, who invited the relatively unknown talent to tape a segment of the legendary show. When Lickona introduced Monte to the audience, he described Monte's talent in a simple yet profound statement: "Monte Montgomery blows people away. There is no other way to describe it."
When word about Monte's virtuosity reached the folks at Alvarez Guitars. They quickly took a keen interest and secured Monte's endorsement. In the meantime Monte's reputation as the Hottest Acoustic Guitarist on the planet was being cultivated as he toured nationwide. This led to the introduction of the MMY1 Monte Montgomery Signature Guitar , which was unveiled at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California in January 2004.
Monte's considerable musical talents have come to fruition. As leader of his own band, he continues as a national touring act and has shown a side that's more than a new found "Texas Guitar Slinger". His electrifying live shows deliver a dynamic rock n' roll experience with rich, stunning guitar work and powerful song deliveries. Monte sings and writes songs that are concise and contemporary and although his music contains a lot of guitar it's more than just a guitar show. With an appeal that extends to listeners of all ages and tastes, Monte has been making a living playing and singing for most of his life, building a career through his own hard work and talent. In fact, it's almost as if his future as a musician was all but fated. "I never woke up and said, what am I supposed to be doing with my life? I always knew, even before I played guitar, that I was going to be doing music, one way or another."
It's Alright
Monte Montgomery Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I guess that would explain why the sound of my name from your lips makes me feel the way I do
First you turned a blind eye
To the new boy in the spotlight
Maybe you though I wasn't your type
But now I'm the one your holding at the end of every night
Yeah it's just the way I never really thought it could be
Alright
Uh huh
Baby come along and finish what you started with me tonight
I was standing on a bridge in Paris thinking about the way your hair falls around your face
Before the moment was gone the night came on strong and I lapsed into a state of grace
Now it's you whose in the spotlight
Deep blue turning star bright
And I know that you are just my type
'Cause your eyes say the words that in the past were hard to find
And it's alright uh huh
Yeah it's just the way I never really thought it could be
Alright
Uh huh
Baby come along and finish what you started with me tonight
Falling are the leaves and so am I for you
Flash me that smile and wink your eye when you do
My love is unconditional and it will not be denied
And it's alright uh huh
Yeah it's just the way you never really thought it could be
Alright
Uh huh
Baby come along and finish what you started with me tonight
The lyrics to Monte Montgomery's song "It's Alright" tell a story of two people coming together and falling in love. The opening lines suggest a belief in fate and destiny, as the singer explains that things happen for a reason. This serves as a foreshadowing device for the rest of the song, which details how the singer and his love interest end up together despite initial doubts.
As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal how the two main characters initially overlooked each other, but their feelings eventually grew stronger. They now find themselves together and in love, with the singer feeling like his love interest is the only one for him. The reference to standing on a bridge in Paris thinking about the way her hair falls around her face adds a romantic and nostalgic touch to the song.
Overall, the lyrics of "It's Alright" convey a sense of joy and celebration in finding love. The chorus repeats the phrase "it's alright," suggesting that everything is now as it should be, and that the struggles leading up to this point were worth it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm one of those who believes things happen because there supposed to
The singer believes that events unfold as they're meant to.
And I guess that would explain why the sound of my name from your lips makes me feel the way I do
The singer believes their connection with the person they're addressing is meant to be, and that's why hearing their name from their lips is so significant.
First you turned a blind eye
At first, the person the singer is addressing ignored them.
To the new boy in the spotlight
The artist was new and perhaps catching the attention of others.
Maybe you thought I wasn't your type
The person the artist is addressing may have initially thought they weren't a good match.
But now I'm the one your holding at the end of every night
Now, the person the singer is addressing is intimate with them each night.
And it's alright uh huh
The singer is content with their progress in their relationship.
Yeah it's just the way I never really thought it could be
The artist is surprised and pleased with how things have turned out.
Baby come along and finish what you started with me tonight
The artist invites the person they're addressing to be intimate with them again that night.
I was standing on a bridge in Paris thinking about the way your hair falls around your face
The artist recalls a moment in Paris where they took in the beauty of the person they're addressing.
Before the moment was gone the night came on strong and I lapsed into a state of grace
The moment was brief but meaningful and the singer was overwhelmed with emotion.
Now it's you who's in the spotlight
The person the artist is addressing has their attention.
Deep blue turning star bright
The person's eyes have a sparkle that captivates the singer.
And I know that you are just my type
The singer is confident in their attraction to the person they're addressing.
'Cause your eyes say the words that in the past were hard to find
The singer finds it easier to express their emotions through the person's eyes.
Falling are the leaves and so am I for you
The artist is falling in love with the person they're addressing, like the falling leaves of autumn.
Flash me that smile and wink your eye when you do
The artist finds the person's smile and wink endearing and attractive.
My love is unconditional and it will not be denied
The singer's love for the person they're addressing is unwavering and cannot be ignored.
Contributed by Bella T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.