One of the most innovative guitarists and musicians to emerge from the UK in recent years, Chris Montague is widely recognised for his skills as a composer and performer. As a founder member of Troyka he has garnered a reputation for his distinctive approach to the guitar and has gained much acclaim for his contribution to many contemporary recordings.
Chris was born in Gateshead (UK) and began playing guitar at an early age. Some of the musicians and bands Chris has worked with have included; Troyka, Squarepusher, Benny Greb’s Moving Parts, Janek Gwizdala, Monocled Man, Django Bates, Colin Town’s Blue Touch Paper, Nick Smart’s Trogon, Trish Clowe’s Tangent.
As a composer Chris has received several commissions to write for different musicians, including: Royal Academy of Music Big Band, Threads Orchestra, EFG London Jazz Festival and several large guitar ensemble pieces for Hull and London Jazz Festivals.
Chris was made an associate member of the Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) in 2013, an award that recognises former students for their contribution to the music environment in which they have been active since graduating.
In 2017 Chris was selected as a finalist and prizewinner in the Jazz composer category by the Arts Foundation, an organisation which has been recognising and supporting artists of all disciplines for the past 25 years.
Chris is currently recording an album of his new compositions for his trio ‘Warmer Than Blood’, consisting of ECM recording artist Kit Downes on piano, and Ruth Goller on bass.