Montana Skies

Cello & Guitar Duo

Montana Skies creates a unique new sound, from finger-picking to flamenco, with the unusual pairing of cello and guitar and the seamless use of modern electronic effects. The core of the group Montana Skies is Jonathan Adams on guitars (steel string and Spanish/nylon) and Jennifer Adams on cellos (acoustic cello and her 6-String Electric cello).  The music of Montana Skies has been heard nationwide on NPR radio stations as well as television, including the Travel Channel, Soundscapes and more. This amazing duo continues to thrill audiences with their live shows and they have an extensive tour schedule which has taken them across the US, Canada and to Asia.   As the group moves ahead, they continue to explore the boundaries of contemporary instrumental music.

Montana Skies' debut recording Montana Skis reached #1 on world and instrumental music radio charts in April and May of 2004 and helped them win the title of "Best New Artist" in the 2004 Lifestyle Radio Awards. Highlights from the cd's airplay include broadcasts nationally on the NPR radio program "Echoes" and the TV program "Soundscapes". Montana Skies has enjoyed performing live on radio and TV programs throughout the country and internationally.

Jonathan and Jennifer Adams are the originators of Montana Skies. The couple met almost a decade ago while studying music at the University of Georgia in Athens. At first the two planned on collaborating on classical music but after a trip to the University Library to investigate repertoire, they discovered that music written for cello/guitar was as rare as the combination itself. Jonathan and Jennifer were not discouraged; they began writing their own arrangements to classics and composing music for themselves. Not having set repertoire has given these music artists a great freedom in their musical expression. Jonathan explains, "Throughout the years, we have developed many of our own arrangements ranging from world music and classical to original compositions. The fact that 'ready made' repertoire is not available for our combination of instruments really what pushes us to be more creative with our music. We love composing and arranging, and appreciate the opportunity to present old favorites, along with newer music, to our audiences."

Montana Skies' name is taken from one of the first songs Jonathan composed for the group entitled "Montana Skies". Jonathan studied music at Montana State University in Bozeman and this song was written specifically about those times.  Jonathan and Jennifer named themselves after this first song because it captures the essence of the duo's music, and marked the beginning of their newly formed sound.

Forging ahead artistically, Montana Skies is releasing their newest album Chasing the Sun which was inspired by their most recent cross-country tour. Many of the songs were composed while traveling across the USA and seeing it's national treasures. Chasing the Sun is an homage to the "road trip". Jonathan explains, "This cd is not only about the literal road trip, but also the metaphorical "road trip" of life. We've learned a lot on both so far, but mostly we've learned that it's never about the place, but always about the people. Much of this music was written and arranged on our cross country tour in the spring of 2004 and draws from the sights and sounds that we absorbed as we crisscrossed the US. We hope our fans will enjoy the ride as much as we did."

The Adamses live in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area. They maintain an active touring schedule and conduct community and educational outreach programs in conjunction with concerts. Montana Skies performs in a variety of settings from outdoor music festivals, indoor concert halls, on the campuses of college and universities, and community concerts. Jonathan's full length instructional book and CD, "Getting Into Fingerstyle Guitar" was published in 2002 by Mel-Bay Publications. Additional publications are in-the-works. 

"The finger-style guitar of Jonathan Adams gels together with wife Jennifer's cello, rambling across a map of influences from American folk and Arabic music to jazz, flamenco and pop.  And Montana Skies' unrelenting tour schedule is geared toward taking this harmonious hybrid to the masses." 

-Atlanta Journal Constitution

"...hypnotic...imaginative...played with deep passion."

-Acoustic Guitar Magazine

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Time, date, and program subject to change.