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
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