Tete Montoliu: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
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Born:

Mar 28, 1933 in Barcelona, Spain

Died:

Aug 24, 1997 in Barcelona, Spain

Genres:

Music, Jazz Music, Bop Jazz Music, Classical Music

Decades Active:

1960's|1970's|1980's|1990's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

An outstanding veteran pianist from Spain, Tete Montoliu was born blind. He learned to read music in Braille when he was seven and developed impressive technique on piano. He recorded with Lionel Hampton in 1956, had his first session as a leader in 1958, and played with the touring Roland Kirk in 1963. Through the years, he also worked with such visiting Americans as Kenny Dorham, Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, Lucky Thompson, and even Anthony Braxton. Tete Montoliu's visits to the U.S. were very infrequent, but his SteepleChase albums (starting in 1971) are generally available; he also cut one date for Contemporary (1979) and recorded for Enja and Soul Note.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide