I love a good success story. When our hero comes from nothing, and ends up more of a something than he, or those around him, could have ever imagined. Maybe it’s because I’m living vicariously through him, hoping one day for my own remarkable conclusion to an otherwise humdrum life, or maybe it’s because I genuinely care about the well-being of my fellow man. Yeah. It’s likely the first one, with a healthy dose of bitter, crippling jealousy.
Monte Pittman is one such success story. Strum past the jump to learn more about him, and for some words about his newest release, Pain, Love & Destiny.
Raised in the grandiose town of Longview, Texas, Monte decided that he was like a goldfish in a bowl. He knew he could grow bigger, he just needed a town that could hold him. So, he did what any goldfish would in that situation – he moved to L.A. and got a job at Guitar Center.
The uniforms at Guitar Center just get stranger and stranger...
It was at this job that he met the British filmmaker Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes), who had just received a guitar from his lovely lady pal, Madonna. After giving Guy guitar lessons, Monte began showing Madonna a thing or two as well. His prowess on the strings landed him a spot on stage with Madonna, playing guitar with her when she’s on tour (and even co-writing songs with her).
Now, Monte leads with Adam Lambert (of “American Idol” fame) on tour, playing guitar and serving as the music director. And, in the midst of all this success, he still found the time to put out his second album. His second album, which I just finished, and his second album which I will start writing about just after the end of this sentence.
Pain, Love & Destiny is a journey. It isn’t just a collection of songs haphazardly thrown together without rhyme or reason. It’s not just a conglomeration of bits and bobs from the recesses of a musician’s mind. It tells the story of a man trying to escape his own destiny, but who is eventually forced to face it in a dramatic showdown of fate. It’s not just a long, dark story though. It’s a challenge to the listener to face their own demons as well.
From a musical standpoint, Monte Pittman sounds like a mix of old school southern rock and early 2000s alt rock. He has a very strong Shinedown feel to his music, a booming but controlled wail to a guitar that seemingly has a mind of its own as Monte tears through solos like he’s doing warm-up exercises. This isn’t to say that everything is hard rock and head banging, as Pain has its fair share of ballads, too. “Predetermined Destiny” comes to mind first as the album’s 6 minute closer, a song that succinctly ties together the themes of the album.
A good mix of arena sized rock and mellow ballads, Monte Pittman’s newest definitely keeps you interested throughout its run time. For someone who has been so influential to those who have been so influential to us, it’s odd that his name isn’t more well known – but Pittman looks to change that with this record. His solo career is about to blow up in a big way, so make sure you get on board now. Check out his website now, where you can read more about his fascinating life story and listen to the tracks off his latest cut.
Are you ready to face your destiny (assuming your destiny is listening to this album)?
