Antoinette Montague at PJS Second Sunday Jazz

Antoinette Montague considers Carrie Smith, Etta Jones, Della Griffin and Myrna Lake to be her mentors. Antoinette has worked extensively in the New York area during the past decade with such musicians as Bill Easley, Norman Simmons, Winard Harper, Wycliffe Gordon, Frank Wess, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Mike Longo's New York State of the Arts Orchestra.

Antoinette fell in love with the voice of Carrie Smith. She volunteered to work with her and made ths experience her own apprenticeship, a way to learn all aspects of the business. If Carrie was appearing at the Blue Note, Antoinette would handle everything from soup to nuts, getting to see what it is to be a foot soldier working for an artist. When Carrie went to Europe, Antoinette used her vacation time to travel with her. She was Anotinette's first mentor....

read more

Antoinette Montague considers Carrie Smith, Etta Jones, Della Griffin and Myrna Lake to be her mentors. Antoinette has worked extensively in the New York area during the past decade with such musicians as Bill Easley, Norman Simmons, Winard Harper, Wycliffe Gordon, Frank Wess, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Mike Longo's New York State of the Arts Orchestra.

Antoinette fell in love with the voice of Carrie Smith. She volunteered to work with her and made ths experience her own apprenticeship, a way to learn all aspects of the business. If Carrie was appearing at the Blue Note, Antoinette would handle everything from soup to nuts, getting to see what it is to be a foot soldier working for an artist. When Carrie went to Europe, Antoinette used her vacation time to travel with her. She was Anotinette's first mentor.

Antoinette was on a jazz cruise with Carrie Smith in the mid 90’s when she met the great Etta Jones. Etta had a lot of patience for up and coming talent and invited Antoinette to sing at jam sessions. She took Antoinette under her wings and often came to hear her perform and provide pointers. "Etta mentored me, encouraged me, mothered me. She gave me confidence Etta pushed me to develop a career," Antoinette recalls fondly of her friend.

show less