In an era where musical borders continue to dissolve, few artists manage to craft a sound that feels both universally familiar and distinctly fresh. Colson Montgomery is one such figure. Emerging from Chicago’s vibrant music scene, Montgomery has quickly become a name to watch, not just for his technical skill on the guitar but for his ability to weave together influences from jazz, blues, and West African rhythms into a cohesive, modern sound. His work is a testament to how tradition and innovation can coexist, creating something entirely new.

The Early Years: A Foundation Built on Diversity

Colson Montgomery’s musical journey began in the heart of Chicago, where he was exposed to a rich tapestry of sounds from an early age. Growing up in a city known for its jazz legacy and blues roots, Montgomery was surrounded by music that spanned generations and genres. His father, a jazz drummer, played a pivotal role in shaping his early exposure to rhythm and melody. Meanwhile, his mother’s love for West African music introduced him to the hypnotic grooves of instruments like the kora and djembe.

By the time Montgomery picked up the guitar at age 12, he was already deeply influenced by the works of legends like Jimi Hendrix, Ali Farka Touré, and Wes Montgomery—no relation, despite the shared surname. This eclectic mix of influences became the bedrock of his musical identity. Unlike many young musicians who focus on mastering a single genre, Montgomery sought to understand the connections between them. His early experiments with blending jazz chords, blues licks, and African percussion laid the groundwork for the sound he would later refine and share with the world.

A Sound That Defies Categorization

Montgomery’s music resists easy labels. It’s not quite jazz, not quite blues, and not entirely rooted in any traditional African sound, yet it carries elements of all three. His compositions often feature intricate fingerpicking patterns reminiscent of acoustic blues, layered over syncopated rhythms that nod to West African music. The result is a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking, as if he’s channeling the past while pointing toward the future of global music.

One of his most celebrated tracks, “Crossroads Revival”, exemplifies this approach. The song opens with a driving rhythm that evokes the feel of a West African griot performance, before transitioning into a soaring, Hendrix-inspired guitar solo. The fusion is seamless, a reminder that music, at its best, should know no boundaries. Montgomery’s ability to navigate these diverse influences without losing coherence has earned him comparisons to artists like Tinariwen and Vieux Farka Touré, though his sound remains distinctly his own.

Influences That Shape His Artistry

Montgomery’s musical palette is a reflection of his upbringing and the artists who inspire him. Below are some of the key influences that have shaped his sound:

• Jimi Hendrix: Montgomery’s approach to the guitar is heavily influenced by Hendrix’s use of feedback, distortion, and psychedelic textures. However, he often strips these elements down to their acoustic roots, creating a more intimate listening experience.
• Ali Farka Touré: The Malian blues legend’s rhythmic precision and use of traditional African scales have left a significant mark on Montgomery’s playing style, particularly in his fingerpicking technique.
• Wes Montgomery: Despite the lack of a familial connection, Montgomery has cited the jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery as a major influence, particularly his use of octaves and melodic phrasing.
• West African Griot Tradition: The storytelling aspect of griot music, where lyrics and rhythm serve as a means of preserving history and culture, has influenced Montgomery’s approach to songwriting and composition.

The Global Appeal of Colson Montgomery

While Montgomery’s roots are firmly planted in Chicago, his music has found resonance far beyond the city’s borders. In an age where streaming platforms and social media have made it easier than ever for artists to reach global audiences, Montgomery has leveraged these tools to build a following that spans continents. His 2022 album, “Roots and Wires”, received critical acclaim in Europe and Africa, where critics praised his ability to bridge cultural divides through music.

Montgomery’s international appeal is also a reflection of the growing demand for music that transcends genre and geography. In a world where pop and hip-hop dominate the charts, there’s a hunger for sounds that feel authentic and rooted in tradition. Montgomery’s music offers that authenticity, while still feeling fresh and relevant to modern listeners. This duality has made him a standout figure in the global music scene, attracting fans from diverse backgrounds.

Collaborations That Cross Borders

One of the most exciting aspects of Montgomery’s career is his willingness to collaborate with artists from different musical traditions. These collaborations have not only expanded his artistic horizons but have also introduced his music to new audiences. Some notable examples include:

1. “Dakar to Chicago” (feat. Baaba Maal): A collaboration with the legendary Senegalese singer Baaba Maal, this track blends Montgomery’s guitar work with Maal’s powerful vocals and traditional West African instrumentation. The result is a hypnotic, cross-continental fusion that highlights the similarities between blues and griot music.
2. “Midnight in Marrakech” (feat. Tinariwen):

A live performance with the Tuareg band Tinariwen, recorded in Marrakech, Morocco. The track features Montgomery’s guitar weaving through the band’s signature desert blues sound, creating a mesmerizing, otherworldly atmosphere.

3. “Chicago to Lagos” (feat. Burna Boy): A more contemporary collaboration, this track pairs Montgomery’s acoustic guitar with Burna Boy’s Afrobeats rhythms. The fusion of blues and Afrobeats is a testament to Montgomery’s versatility and his ability to adapt to different musical landscapes.