Tete Montoliu Trio

**Tete Montoliu Trio**

The Tete Montoliu Trio was led by Catalan jazz pianist Tete Montoliu, a blind virtuoso born in Barcelona in 1933. Known for his fiery bebop flair and soulful lyricism, Montoliu became one of Europe’s most celebrated jazz exports, blending Catalan folk influences with hard-swinging American jazz traditions. His trio—often featuring rotating bassists and drummers—showcased his knack for reinventing standards (as heard on *It’s Standard Time* releases) and crafting originals with emotional depth, like the introspective *Blues for Myself*. Albums like *The Man from Barcelona* and *Catalonian Rhapsody* highlight his pride in his roots, while lively cuts such as *Ten to Two Blues* capture his playful, energetic live spirit. Though Montoliu passed away in 1997, his recordings remain a testament to his technical brilliance and warm, improvisational storytelling.