Bobby Montez

West coast vibist Bobby Montez has been credited with creating some of the most swinging Latin Jazz sounds in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Bobby’s sound mixed together Latin rhythms in a way very similar to what the late great Cal Tjader was doing at the time. Bobby Montez & his Quintet created a cool and hip sound and had many followers. Their performances in and around Los Angeles were many times sold-out and included stops at L.A.’s most prestigious Jazz clubs. Bobby surrounded himself with top-talent from the Los Angeles area; Mike Gutierrez on Timbales; Luis Miranda on Congas; pianist Carlos Avelar, who also sat in on vibes when Bobby switched to the bass or piano; and Jimmy Baiz on bass. In later years, the Bobby Montez unit featured the sound of Ruben Provencio on Bass.