Posted on: May 10th, 2010 European Adventure
“Jay, I’m going to walk over to that vending machine real quick,” Monte said shortly after I was to start dictating for the Italy blog.
“No dude! Don’t write everything I say.”
Apparently the trip to the vending machine wasn’t intended as part of the verbatim notes. But alas, as Jay is simply doing his job, the short jaunt will remain logged. Much as the past 11 days in Switzerland and Italy will remain in fond memory. Forever.
I return, donning espresso and euro-potato chips.
And so it begins…
Reflection
Looking back over the last two weeks of this sleep depravating Euro-tour, I have come to realize that I like travelling in Europe. Hmm, why is this? Well, let’s break it down.
Switzerland: Alps. Casino (Grand Casino Basel). Nice room. Nice venue. No sleep (jet lag). Low flying aircraft. Thanks for coming.
Soave, Italy: Immediate lunch and wine, as typical of the area. Old friends, familiar faces. Little sleep. Much music. Many notes were played on the guitar. More wine. Typical of the region. Pasta. Cheese. This goes on for four days. Family arrives. Their exuberance shown through a heavy film of narcolepsy. Closed down the Soave Guitar Festival playing my song, Six-String Wooden Friend with Tommy Emmanuel. Awesome.
Rome, Italy: The gig in Rome seemed in jeopardy as our Italian-only speaking driver couldn’t quite come to grips with his Italian-speaking navigation system. After countless u-turns and much nervousness we managed to pile into the high-speed bullet train. Well, not really a bullet train, more like a bb gun train from Padova down to Rome.
State of the art facility, built by world famous architect whose name escapes me. A very impressive structure to say the least. Mainly meant for symphonies and music of the classical variety. The odd thing was that there was a musician union strike on this day and I was the only act performing. I was envisioning massive picketing at the front door and hecklers urging me to cancel my performance in support of the dropped-wages strike. Turns out to protest, the talented members of the symphony performed on the sidewalks just outside of the massive auditorium. Certainly a unique atmosphere as we navigated our way back into the venue just before the show…apparently we were the only ones making any money that night. Sorry my fellow Roman music counterparts.
It does take a little getting used to, dealing with European audiences. Their enthusiasm comes in the form of complete silence during each song, followed by abrupt applause at the end of every song. In other words, respectful. Which is good for me, but probably bad for someone like MGMT. Anyway, the show was great despite that I walked on stage half asleep.
The next day, I lost another rhythm section as my drummer and bass player flew back to America.
We roamed all over Rome. They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it was seen in a day. About 10 hours. Countless corridors of the Vatican, with thousands of people crammed all around us. Then we visited the ruins, where you could see the dawn of underground sewage. Oh yeah, there were some cool crumbling buildings as well. And then we passed by some really old, run down stadium. Where I guess they used to play football or something, but with lions.
Next stop: Vasto, Italy
The Teatro Rossetti was built in 1812 and I was thrilled to help celebrate it’s 198th year with music that finally fit what the original intent of the theater must have been. That is, not to have the building house classical music, as is it’s main agenda. But instead, to rock in such a way as to shake the very foundation that the building stands upon. Oh yeah, and did I mention that I was tired? The kind of tired that can only be described as a kind of a “too-much-walking-around-Rome-the-day-before” hangover.
The next day, on our way back to Soave, we stopped for lunch in Porto Recanati, at the recommendation of Pierpoalo Adda. The Adriatic Sea changed colors about 12 times while we sat and looked out the window, as a brief rainstorm came through the area. By the way, it should be assumed that at all times food related there is wine. Good and plenty.
Fontaniva, Italy: The last gig of the tour. Beautiful theater, with a state-of-the-art sound system. Which basically described every theater we went to. That’s one thing I love about Italy is the sound system is always high-end.
Prior to gig, Gelato was had. And in accordance with ancient local laws, highly concentrated, somewhat-coffee-flavored caffeine is compressed and liquefied into a tiny cup (aka cappuccino) was also consumed.
The show was great, I wasn’t tired for the first time of this entire tour. I was finally comfortable on stage. Now that I hit my stride and I can share the best of me with all of Europe, I am leaving. Immediately. But not before….
A weeks worth of walking in 5 hours in Venice.
Side Note: Entreprenureal Idea. Start a taxi service in Venice. As there are literally no cars allowed.
We dragged our tired bodies to one last great Italian feast at our dear friend Manfredo’s house. Much wine, much food, and many laughs were had by all. We toasted to our journeys end and our quick return to our increasingly growing stable of close friends in Italy.
So now, if Iceland will put a cap on that effing volcano we can get home at a reasonable hour…
“That’s about it.”
Tommy sat in with Monte on a few songs at the Church clinic/concert
Lookin tough...
Soave Castle in the background!
30 Responses to “European Adventure”
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Jani Schofield Says:
May 10th, 2010 at 2:01 pmYour a lucky kid, Monte. Your mom and I would love to see some of the sites you saw. Glad you had such a good time., Call me ahead if you need a place to stay and if I’m not booked you can stay at one of my places. Love to you , Allegani
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Alberto Malagoli Says:
May 10th, 2010 at 2:02 pmso, if you liked Italy.. come back soon!
here you have few but great fans, and this year I could not see any of your shows..
anyway, keep rock!
greetings from Italy! -
mewzikbiznis Says:
May 10th, 2010 at 2:21 pmThanks very much for the beautiful photographs and narrative. Glad your family was able to spend time with you, and the volcano ash left a departure window. ‘Til soon, I hope. Love to all
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John Says:
May 10th, 2010 at 2:24 pmMan, that was just like my week! Except for all of it. I do have a stenographer typing this, though, which is lucky because my spelling is so atrocious I couldn’t possibly spell “atrocious.”
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Tony Barker Says:
May 10th, 2010 at 4:02 pmWelcome home, my friend! Glad you had a good trip. Tammy and I are looking forward to seeing you again when you’re in our neck of the woods!
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Laura Marie Says:
May 10th, 2010 at 10:39 pmHeading to Italy in two weeks. Wish I was playing but I’m just as happy to be going there on vacation. Love the pics!!!
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Jeff Jones Says:
May 11th, 2010 at 5:12 pmThat sounds dreamy, man. My dream is to go there someday and catch every show you play. Well, other than, ya know…cashing in a record winning lottery ticket. Then the European tour is a go for sure!
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Tisha Says:
May 12th, 2010 at 4:31 pmyou’re funny. if this music thing doesn’t work out, you can always do standup.
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crazy dave Says:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:24 amGreat post Monte. Keep’em coming…come back to So-Cal soon too!
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scott floberg Says:
July 27th, 2010 at 9:25 pmHey Monte just have to tell I”m a huge fan ever since I found you on you tube a couple years ago.WTF dude how do you do it LOL I mean I’ve been playing for thirty four years,I even bought a Alvarez DY91after i saw you, she is a beauty. but it sounds nothing like yours.Well i just have to say i will be happy to die trying to learn some of your licks.If you ever come to Connecticut please shoot me an email would love to see you live. Thanks Scott
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Joe Bernstein Says:
August 8th, 2010 at 8:52 pmHello Monte, or best said, thank you Monte Montgomery. I can say with certainty that music plays a strong role in a persons outlook on life, ones motivation for success as well as, helping one make a complete change in ones life, direction and attitude. Your music, soul and emotion , combined with the connection with your band is what rock and roll is all about. Thanks for bringing it back to life, As a guitarist, well, you have laid the ground for countless of young aspiring musicians. Right when one thought everything has been done before, you went on to show that there is allot more to see and hear. For me and the many people I have turned on to you, our lives have forever been touched. Chills, thrills, tears and pure energy. We are totally behind you and I can say, in 2010. I am proud to be a fan of Monte Montgomery. What an awesome feeling. Thank You - Sincerely, Joe ( Physician - Musician )
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Tom Tewell Says:
August 13th, 2010 at 6:18 pmMonte, man, been following you since ‘98. Why for you never play in Illinois? Never mind, I know why, it is the butthole of America. I keep forgetting… but if you ever come this way, expect to see an old crotchety dude near the stage, checking out your equipment ( guitars and amps I mean, shame on all you people with filthy brains) BTW my wife will be with me so ease up.
Gettin serious again, i mean, DAMN, come on, are you some space alien or what? No one can play the guitar like that.
C ya.
T. -
Al Lieberman Says:
August 15th, 2010 at 3:34 pmA friend from many years ago recently posted your music/video clip on facebook. I never heard of you before, but really liked what I heard. I see you’re booked in Lexington KY this fall, however, if you can continue up to Columbus OH, you can bet I’ll be there in the audience. Hope you can make it this way sometime.
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crazy dave Says:
August 18th, 2010 at 4:50 amJust got the excellent news that you’ll be coming back to play at the Mint in LA next week!!
I can’t even tell you how excited I am to hear that you’ll be playing here again, but this time w/ your band! I can only thank you 1000x’s for wanting to come back and amaze again. Thanks for making my life so much better with your music. I’ll be bringing along my fam & friends & won’t get out of hand this time, promise. And if you guys can play “bringing me down” that would be beyond awesome…that jam never get’s old! -
Lois Says:
August 26th, 2010 at 1:05 pmMonte: We’re big fans and enjoyed your set at the Union Room last night. Wish you hadn’t been so dismissive of the request for Sara Smile. My husband is a musician and figures you just got sick of playing it. However, it sure sounded sweet at the Hotel Utah when we saw you there. Your last song of the set at the Union Room was incredibly beautiful…thanks for that.
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Lorinda Says:
November 2nd, 2010 at 10:09 amHey Monte, just talked to my bro…Congratulations on your cd release! Been a long time! See you are coming to FBG soon, wish I could catch up with ya…check it out live back on home turf. Or ya know just a get together pickn at Luckenbach, wouldn’t that be cool…brings back many memories. Went home one year, missed ya by a week, you played at the dance hall at Luckenback. I was bummed that I missed ya. We think of you often, please tell your mom Hi and Hi from my mom!
I am in the Florida Keys, if you ever head this way, let me know, would love to show you around. Oh and we would love to have some kick ass music this way too! If you ever come this way to play, squeeze us in down here we would love it! Best to you always Lorinda -
Heather Says:
November 6th, 2010 at 11:25 pmI have been a long time fan. Lived in Texas for a bit then moved back to the Louisville, KY area. I remember seeing you at Chuy’s in San Antonio one night. At the time my husband and i were just dating. That night we declared “I know you by heart” “our song”. Please come back to Louisville and play at Chuy’s! How about a Chuys tour?!
Much love! You are amazing. -
James Says:
November 17th, 2010 at 8:41 pmWhat a trip. Quite a difference from my old room mate back in the dish washing days. Hope you are well my man. I see that grubskcirederf is on your list for the near future. Maybe I can catch you there and say hi. Glad to see that your music is alive and kicking.
James -
Davey Schrock Says:
November 21st, 2010 at 8:40 amEnjoyed the show at the canopy club in Champaign IL immensely !!!!You are a truly talented and unique acoustic guitarist,and the rythym section is top notch right there with ya!!And if you ever want a grand tour of amish country in Arthur IL you let me know and we will give you a horse and buggy ride of your life lol.your a crazy guitarist and I love your style and ability to make the guitar talk unlike some,peace bro keep talkin
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Tyron Carey Says:
December 10th, 2010 at 3:52 pmHello Mr. Montgomery,
I get to see your performance live for the first time in Seattle, WA on the 16th of December! I have been looking forward to this for quite some time. I originnally seen one of your, now classic, performances on a public television station that was broadcasting an Austin City Limits show with you as the headliner at least 10 or 11 years ago. I was recording at the time and have watched it nurmous times (just about wore out the VHS tape, LOL. ) You are truely talanted, and I am anxious to see what you have in store for your fans at the Tractor! Thank you for all your hard work, I can only imagine all the jetlag & stress that you put your physical and mental person through for your fans.Thank you!!
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Camie Hayes Says:
December 27th, 2010 at 2:04 pmHi Monte,
I would have given my left arm to see you AND Tommy Emmanuel on stage together, and in Europe no less! I truly hope the audience knew they were seeing two Masters at play! I love Tommy Emmanuel and try to see him when I know he is coming to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Look forward to seeing your New Year’s Eve show in Grapevine. Hope your throat is better! Come back to Tulsa soon!
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Rollie Says:
December 28th, 2010 at 10:06 pmHello Monte. I’ve been a fan for a while–tell all my guitar playing friends about your music and it always blows them away. If you ever want a break from the Texas heat of summer (my wife and I lived in Weatherford for a bit) and would consider playing a little (but very cool) stage in Sheridan WY called The Wyo Theatre–let me know. By the way, met a freind of yours-Dave–a few years back (7 to be exact) in Colorado Springs. He was training for a restaurant gig in San Antonio I believe. I mentioned your name when I found out he was from your neck of the woods. It blew my mind that he actually knew you. Hope you are well. Happy new year.
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Mark Rue Says:
January 6th, 2011 at 4:49 pmMonte - I’ll never forget the night I first saw you play. It was right after Steve Tucker’s wedding, at The Bayous on the Riverwalk in the early 90’s. You were just a kid. While Dale and Scott impressed me with their musical finesse, you stood out … what an awesome, crazy-cool, mind-bending performance that was! Earlier, my wife Debbie said, “we should go see him - he’s cool and has a knack with the guitar”. That was certainly understated - you simply blew my mind. That night I sensed that you were going places. speaking of places - keep playing in San Antonio - I love turning my friends onto you and watching their jaws drop on the very first song. Then, I have the pleasure of saying to them “yeah, but Just wait until he gets warmed-up). Love ya, man!
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Vinny G Says:
February 4th, 2011 at 9:02 amMonte: When are you going to come up north and play a gig in NY? I’m still kicking myself for missing a gig you played in NJ a couple of years ago. I love your music, and have spent the last year gobbling up as much of of it as I can find. I’m hoping that you put ‘Forget Your Name’ on an album some day soon…….
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Dennis P. Says:
February 12th, 2011 at 2:57 pmMonte: Are you planning on coming back to Cleveland? I saw you the last two times you where here, can’t wait for you to come back. Keep rockin’!!!!!!
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Todd Phillips Says:
February 14th, 2011 at 10:38 pmMonte, I just love your music, everything about it, I’m so glad you chose guitar to play, Hope you come to Ohio and play soon! I think me and about a million other people are interested in what you use for distortion, Maybe you could put your pedal board layout in the gear section. That would rock!
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John Says:
March 11th, 2011 at 4:35 amHai Monte,
I saw that you was in Europe when do you come to Holland? I would like to see you live on stage. I love your music it is so complete with your freaking guitar solos.. Iam trying to play some songs of you but it is hard working…. I bought your book to see how you really do it. gr, John Snijders
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Dennis D Says:
March 24th, 2011 at 10:34 pmYeah Monte, when are you coming back to the NYC area?
Saw you at Mexicali in NJ last time, well worth the drive from Long Island.
But you’re long over due in our neck-o-the woods.
How’bout stopping by after Montreal. It’s on your way home anyway. -
Jim Wolf Says:
June 18th, 2011 at 10:52 pmMonte,
Congrats on a great trip.. we went over in ‘03 via Zurich and an awesome train ride south thru the Alps. In Venice it was the public water taxi drivers on strike so we had to schlep our gear all over. Monte I am sure we can find a few volunteer roadies to help on some tours.. my guess is you could charge us.. like going to roadie school to assist a living legend who still makes time for his fans! Strength to you on this weathered road and always. -
Keith Hollingsworth Says:
July 13th, 2011 at 11:16 pmMonte…
When will you please, please, please come to the west coast for a tour. I live north of San Fransisco in Santa Rosa and there is a wonderful venue here that you and your band would sound great in. It’s the Wells Fargo Center for the arts. Many headliners have played there (check out their website) Guitar Player magazine is published here in California and I’m sure they would help support the tour with publicity, etc. They like you very much.
I saw you in Berkley doing your solo tour and in fact I ran into you in the club’s bathroom and spoke to you briefly (you were amazing). Anyway, please consider doing a west coast tour with your band soon.
Regards,
Keith
