“El Grand Señior from Catalonia” was the way Dexter Gordon used to introduce Tete Montoliu to the audience at Club Montmartre in the 60s. Vincente Montoliu Massana, better known as Tete Montoliu (1933-1997) was born blind and learned to play piano at age 7 by Braille method. He studied music at the Conservatori Superior de Música de Barcelona (1946-1953). His remarkable international career took off in 1956 when Lionel Hampton invited him for his big band and since then Tete played all over the world with host of jazz luminaries.
“Listen to the superb interaction between a man and his piano in the utmost sublimity... Montoliu shares the same pulse, sincerity, talent with his illustrious predecessors Art Tatum and Earl Hines...” (Pierre Steve, The Lion on SCS 1216)
“Like the previously released album from the same session – “That’s All” (SCS1199) this Spanish pianist shows his grandiose and virtuoso side…” (Erik Wiedemann – Information on SCS 1216)
