When the definitive history of rock music is penned, one single accomplishment will demand Ronnie Montrose's inclusion as a guitar great--his killer 1973 album, 'Montrose'. The asterisk beside this work might read, "Played at more rock and roll parties than any other album, save perhaps Led Zeppelin IV and Dark Side of the Moon."
On this album, Montrose's guitar roars like a locomotive; and his Les Paul screams with almost impossible sustain. Songs such as Bad Motor Scooter, Rock the Nation and Space Station Number 5 are full-tilt riff-rock at its best; and with Sammy Hagar (later of Van Halen) at the vocal helm, this band was as good as any of the day.
Montrose's career first took off in the early 70s as Van Morrison's guitarist for the albums 'St. Dominic's Preview' and 'Tupelo Honey'. From there, he teamed up with Edgar Winter on the top-ten 'They Only Come Out At Night'. In 1973, he and Hagar formed the band 'Montrose' and released two albums, the aforementioned self-titled LP and 'Paper Money'. I Got the Fire from 'Paper Money' is a definite keeper.
Hagar departed in 1975 to pursue a solo career, and in 1979, Montrose and Davey Pattison (vocalist on Trower's Passion, Thake What You Need and In The Line Of Fire) put together the band Gamma. They released three albums: 'Gamma I, II and III', which didn't quite match the spunk of the Hagar years, but still provide a wealth of good playing and good tunes.
There also exists a more daring, experimental side to Montrose. In almost polar juxtapositon to his ranking as a top heavy rocker, he has recently dabbled in progressive computer-generated music. To check out his current project, check out the Anti-M Web page. Regardless of his current proclivities, the hard rock legacy he left behind with one incredible album matches what most accomplish in a career. Check out Ronnie's great site at www.ronniemontrose.com.
