Tete Montoliu

Tete Montoliu was a phenomenal jazz pianist from Barcelona, Spain, known for his remarkable technique and deep emotional expression at the keyboard. Born blind, he began playing piano at an early age and quickly developed into one of Europe's most respected jazz musicians. Over his career, he collaborated with jazz greats like Dexter Gordon, Ben Webster, and Kenny Dorham, and became a staple of the European jazz scene from the 1950s through the 1990s.

Montoliu had a fluid, swinging style rooted in bebop but with the lyrical touch of European classical music. He was equally at home interpreting jazz standards, experimenting with modern harmonies, or throwing down hard-driving blues. Whether performing solo or as part of a group, his playing was always marked by sensitivity, sophistication, and a contagious passion for the music. His recordings, like Blues for Myself and Piano for Nuria, remain cherished examples of his artistry.

Genres

Bolero

Hard Bop

Latin Jazz

Jazz

Latest Release

Together Again (Live at Calella Jazz Festival, 1994)

Tete Montoliu

Album - 10 Tracks - Released September 21, 2023