Biography

Mike Montrey is a singer-songwriter with lead guitar prowess who has been credited with creating a style that is a “melodic achievement”. Montrey mixes somber acoustic drones with upbeat saxophone laced grooves and driving guitars, while adding an alt-country feel with thought provoking lyrics to create a sound that is truly original. With his debut solo release, “a perfect reality”, Montrey has created a wonderful slate of music.

As a founding member of the highly successful jam-outfit, “…water…”, Montrey has built a reputation as being a commanding front-man. And most recently, his inclusion as a guitarist/vocalist for the epic rock band, The Samples, has cemented his legacy as one of the most recognizable musicians to come out of New Jersey’s fertile music scene.

His current band consists of:

Adam Garnys: Saxophones

Rob Smith: Drums

John Mangan: Bass

Karl Dietel: Keyboards

Kim Williams: Violin/Piano

More notable appearances across the country have included; The Highline Ballroom (NYC), The Bitter End (NYC), The Stone Pony (Asbury Park, NJ), The House of Blues (Dallas, TX, Atlantic City, NJ and Boston, MA), Tipitina’s Uptown (New Orleans, LA), Nectar’s (Burlington, VT), Ascot Terrace (Hollywood, CA), Musikfest (Bethlehem, PA), SXSW Music Fest (Austin, TX).

Montrey is a member of BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) and all of his written material is published there, including three studio efforts with “…water…”, and the aforementioned “a perfect reality”.

NOTABLE PRESS:

“...Water's studio debut, The Grass Sun is impressive, particularly lyrically and harmonically. Well crafted and executed tunes like the opening From the Desk of Ely Chait and Waves in Motion should prove to be exceptional live.”
- Courier News, January 2002

 “Dig flies by, empowered by an engine of fun and chops. Main songwriter/vocalist Mike Montrey has grown into one of the fiercely fertile New Jersey music scene's most commanding frontmen and inventive guitarists. After seeing Water many times during the past two years, I figured Montrey couldn't get any better, but Dig is his shining moment. This band could represent rock's past present and future.“
- Upstage Magazine, October 2003

"Obviously believers in letting their music speak for itself… guitarist/singer/songwriter Mike Montrey – a vocal cross between Bob Weir, Donovan and Dave Matthews – guides this talented 5-piece through well constructed songs that embrace country, stoner-jazz, folk, fusion, funk, world beat, rock, reggae, metal, mariachi, samba and soul in a quest for the perfect groove…"
- Aquarian Weekly, April 2005

In addition to …Water’s… studio endeavors, Montrey recorded a duet version of the Jerry Garcia tune Standing on the Moon for the 2005 benefit CD, Jerry Jams, Jerry Cares released by the Jersey Jams Fund to benefit youth-centered music education programs. Other notable artists on the disc include David Grisman, Railroad Earth, and Phish lyricist, Tom Marshall.