Clinicians: Karl Montzka

Karl Montzka may seem like a new face on the scene, but he is a young musician with vast experience. As a member of the Northern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble (1990-1993), he performed with such artists as James Moody, Clark Terry, Red Rodney, Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis, Marvin Stamm, Buddy DeFranco, Terry Gibbs, and Louie Bellson. Since then, Montzka has been busy working with a number of local groups. He has been a member of the Brad Goode Sextet, Rudy Mahanthappa Quartet, Ryan Shultz Quartet, Rob Parton JazzTech Big Band and Nonet, and Luke and the Coolhands, among many others. At the 1996 Democratic National Convention, he had the pleasure of playing with renowned vocalists Aretha Franklin and Jessie Norman. Karl also teaches jazz piano at Northeastern Illinois University, DePaul Community Music School, and New Trier High School in Winnetka. He has coached on of New Trier's top jazz combos for two years.

He leads his own group, the Karl Montzka Organ Band, which showcases his talents as a jazz organist and composer. The band recently released their first CD, "Spot In The Circle."