John Montesante Dectet: From Blue Note to Bebop

The stellar John Montesante Dectet appears at The Jazzlab featuring outstanding Jazz singers Tamara Kuldin & Craig Schneider.

The band comprises six horns, a matchless rhythm section, with additional guest vocalists—performing dedicated Jazz arrangements by legendary band-leader John Montesante, with their genesis in Blue Note to Bebop. This evening will be a treat for discerning Jazz Lovers.

Montesante has been a force in Melbourne music, since first forming his first Bohemia Jazz Band in the late 1960s, and continuing to found, tour, arrange for and/or perform in iconic bands that have made their mark across genres, including JA Madison, Kush, Barry Veith Big Band, Jo Jo Zep & Falcons, Workin & Steamin, Cafe Society Orchestra, and currently Grand WaZoo Kings of Soul (since 1981), John Montesante Quintet (since 1991), as well as the JM Dectet (since 2012), with the band launching its debut album at Bennett's Lane Jazz Club in 2013.

This evening's fine vocalists include one of the most versatile and in-demand singers, Tamara Kuldin who also leads her own dynamic Jazz ensembles and works regularly in Europe, at clubs and festivals. A vibrant stage presence and great talent, she has released three albums and is sometimes a featured guest in Montesante's jazz quintet - where she is a favourite with audiences.

Also on vocals is Craig Schneider, a multi-award-winning pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger, educator, and musical director. Equally, at home on the concert stage or in an intimate jazz club or cabaret venue, he has performed all over the world. During years in London, he established himself as one of the leading pianist/vocalists in the city, becoming a resident pianist at the Savoy and a regular artist at the Dorchester, Claridges and the Ivy Club where he performed for celebrities. He has released six albums and leads his own shows and bands.

The *John Montesante Dectet* performs Jazz for those who savour undiluted virtuosity, outstanding soloists and big horn arrangements of Blue Note standards and Bebop.

Nick Haywood (double bass), David Hicks (drums), Jack Pantazis (guitar), Craig Schneider (piano + vocals), Jason Sandercock (lead trumpet), John Montesante (2nd trumpet), Eric Budd (trombone), Jim Glasson (alto sax), Tony Hicks (tenor sax), Stuart Byrne (baritone sax), Tamara Kuldin (vocals).