The Power of a Horn section in Jazz – John Montesante

The Power of a Horn section in Jazz – John Montesante

Author: JOY 94.9 - LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Podcasts for all our Rainbow Communities August 8, 2026 Duration: 31:34

Trumpeter and composer John Montesante visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about his music, and the exhilaration of the sound of a horn section when placed over the top of a Jazz Quintet.   John was joined in-studio by his Associate Paula.

John also spoke of his signature cap from his collection of caps and great-coats related to his interest in the American Civil War; and his being brought to Jazz after watching Miles Davis at the Newport Jazz Festvial.

We learnt that John ‘s first trumpet leaked a lot and that he pushed soap into the gaps to seal them – which meant that occiaionally bubbles also found their way out of the trumpet in addition to the notes!

Since that time John has spent much time in the industry, and runs his own quintet – the JMQ – and the exciting brassy sound of the expanded JMQ Dectet.

John performs with his JMQ regularly at the Golden Gate Hotel in South Melbourne, and brings the Dectet out a couple of times a year.  Keep an eye on John’s Gig Guide for future events.

Hear John chat in this Podcast from JOY 94.9

Follow John and his Quartet and Dectet on John’s socials.

John Montsante and Paula were guests of Bent Notes on Sunday July 5, 2026
Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Snday night
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The post The Power of a Horn section in Jazz – John Montesante appeared first on Bent Notes.


Tune into Bent Notes for a vibrant exploration of jazz that stretches across decades and defies easy categorization. This podcast, from the team at JOY 94.9, is more than a simple music show; it’s a curated journey through sound that connects the dots between the foundational rhythms of ragtime and the innovative pulses of contemporary remixes. Each episode serves as both a listening session and a conversation, weaving together tracks with thoughtful commentary and engaging interviews that provide context and highlight the artists-particularly those from LGBTIQA+ and rainbow communities-who have shaped and continue to redefine this ever-evolving genre. You’ll hear stories behind the music, discover new interpretations of classic sounds, and gain a deeper appreciation for jazz’s incredible diversity. Whether you're a lifelong aficionado or simply curious about where the music can go, this podcast offers a fresh and inclusive perspective, celebrating the rich, sometimes unconventional, and always compelling history of jazz in all its forms.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Bent Notes
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