Monte Pittman
Encyclopedia
Monte Pittman is an American musician, songwriter and studio musician, based out of Los Angeles, known largely as Madonna
's long-time guitarist but has quite a diverse professional resume, including stints that range from glam-pop star Adam Lambert
to metal legends Prong.
, who had just received a guitar as a gift from his girlfriend, Madonna. Ritchie later returned the favor, buying Madonna her own guitar—and she began to take lessons from Pittman as well.
A month after Pittman started giving guitar lessons to Madonna, he was invited to join her on stage at the David Letterman Late Show to promote her album Music
. The pair played guitar together on an acoustic version of the hit song Don't Tell Me
. Subsequently, Pittman was invited to join the band for Madonna’s Drowned World Tour
(2001). He has played in every incarnation of Madonna’s live band since then.
Pittman shares writing credits with Madonna on the tracks Easy Ride from American Life
(2003), 2007’s Hey You
charity single and It’s So Cool from Celebration
(2009).
Additionally, Pittman has contributed performances to Madonna’s studio recordings, appearing on 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor
(Like It Or Not) and 2008’s Hard Candy
(Spanish Lesson & Ring My Bell).
by White Zombie
drummer Ivan de Prume
; the two hit it off, and Pittman joined Prong in 2000. He played guitar on their 2002 tour that spawned the live album 100% Live. Pittman handled guitar and bass duties for the 2003 album Scorpio Rising
.
On Prong’s 2007 release Power of the Damager
, Pittman wrote 5 of the 13 songs and provided backing vocals alongside bass duties. He is also credited as an associate producer for both Power of the Damager
and the remixed version Power of the Damn Mixxxer
which was released on May 2009.
from Prong and Steve Sidelnyk formed a band entitled The Citizen Vein.
For the promo tour of Adam Lambert's debut album, Lambert hired Pittman as his guitarist. Lambert and the band appeared on several TV shows as well as at the Gridlock New Year's Eve 2010 festival. Canada's Rock Star Weekly reviewed that "Pittman has a rock-god presence of his own, arising from his well-honed, skilled riffs that come from a connection of love and devotion to his instrument over a long and distinguished musical career"
On June 2010 Pittman became the musical director, in addition to playing guitar for Lambert's Glam Nation Tour which toured North America, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
. All the songs are acoustic.
Almost a year after its digital release, due to popular demand, "The Deepest Dark" was re-released in hard copy CD, with 5 additional bonus tracks. 1 week later, it reached the #1 spot on the most selling albums (Acoustic genre) on CDBaby.com and was #9 in the Top 10 Most Selling Albums on CDBaby for October 2010
Pittman managed to raise $65,500 for his second solo album "Pain, Love & Destiny" through Kickstarter
with the help of his fans. He recorded the album in the summer of 2011 and Noah Shain produced it. The album features Kane Ritchotte
on drums and Kelle Rhoads (Randy Rhoads
's brother) on piano. It was released on October 3, 2011
Pittman has developed into a fiercely capable musician-- equally able to hold his own in a giant pop stadium tour as in a dark and smoky club belting out brutal metal tunes. Pittman's solo work takes a giant detour from both of those avenues, venturing into melodic acoustic territory on his debut, and branching out into rock anthems.
but seems to have settled into using the Gibson Les Paul
as his primary guitar. He has also been known to play Gibson SGs and he has a number of custom made Gibson electrics, acoustics, and basses—frequently specially-built for use in Madonna shows.
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
's long-time guitarist but has quite a diverse professional resume, including stints that range from glam-pop star Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert
Adam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor from San Diego, California. In May 2009, he finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol...
to metal legends Prong.
Career
Pittman started playing guitar as a teenager. His guitar teacher was Robert Browning. He also took music theory and piano lessons from Delores Rhoads.Myra Mains
Pittman’s first band was called Insanity, but the project was short-lived. Eventually Pittman and the singer from Insanity, Chris Sheehan, started the 4-piece Myra Mains which was much more successful, releasing 2 demo tapes and 2 full album CDs. Headquartered in Longview, TX, Myra Mains Had fans from Dallas to Shreveport and all over East Texas.Madonna
Pittman moved to Los Angeles in 1999 and worked at a guitar store as a salesman. He eventually quit to start teaching guitar lessons. Pittman’s third student was British film director Guy RitchieGuy Ritchie
Guy Stuart Ritchie is an English screenwriter and film maker who directed Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, Revolver, RocknRolla and Sherlock Holmes.-Early life:...
, who had just received a guitar as a gift from his girlfriend, Madonna. Ritchie later returned the favor, buying Madonna her own guitar—and she began to take lessons from Pittman as well.
A month after Pittman started giving guitar lessons to Madonna, he was invited to join her on stage at the David Letterman Late Show to promote her album Music
Music (Madonna album)
Music is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on September 19, 2000 by Maverick Records and distributed by Warner Bros. Records...
. The pair played guitar together on an acoustic version of the hit song Don't Tell Me
Don't Tell Me (Madonna song)
"Don't Tell Me" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released as the second single from her eighth studio album Music on November 21, 2000 by Maverick Records. The single has sold around 4.5 million copies to date.-History:...
. Subsequently, Pittman was invited to join the band for Madonna’s Drowned World Tour
Drowned World Tour
The Drowned World Tour was the fifth concert tour by American singer-songwriter Madonna in support of her seventh and eighth studio albums Ray of Light and Music. It was also her first tour in eight years, following The Girlie Show World Tour in 1993...
(2001). He has played in every incarnation of Madonna’s live band since then.
Pittman shares writing credits with Madonna on the tracks Easy Ride from American Life
American Life
American Life is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released on April 22, 2003 by Maverick Records and distributed by Warner Bros. Records. The album produced in its entirety by Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzaï featured references to many parts of American culture...
(2003), 2007’s Hey You
Hey You (Madonna song)
"Hey You" is a pop charity song by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was co-produced by Pharrell Williams. The song was released as part of the Live Earth campaign and was free to download from websites like MSN. It was released digitally as well as on the CD and DVD of the Live Earth concerts...
charity single and It’s So Cool from Celebration
Celebration (Madonna album)
Celebration is the third greatest hits album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, and the closing release under her contract with Warner Bros. Records, her record company since 1982. The release follows her two previous greatest hits albums, The Immaculate Collection and GHV2...
(2009).
Additionally, Pittman has contributed performances to Madonna’s studio recordings, appearing on 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor
Confessions on a Dance Floor
Confessions on a Dance Floor is the tenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released on November 15, 2005 by Warner Bros. Records. The album was a complete departure from her last studio album, American Life . It included influences of 70s and 80s disco as well as...
(Like It Or Not) and 2008’s Hard Candy
Hard Candy (Madonna album)
Hard Candy is the eleventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on April 19, 2008, by Warner Bros. Records. It was her final studio album with the record company, marking the end of a 25 year recording history. Madonna started working on the album in 2007, and collaborated...
(Spanish Lesson & Ring My Bell).
Prong
Pittman was introduced to Prong’s Tommy VictorTommy Victor
Tommy Victor is the lead singer and guitarist for the crossover thrash/industrial metal band Prong that he founded in New York in 1986. In the late 1980s Victor worked as a soundman at CBGB's. After the release of Rude Awakening in 1996, Prong disbanded and Victor moved to Los Angeles. Since then...
by White Zombie
White Zombie
White Zombie was a Grammy Award-nominated American heavy metal band. Based in New York City, White Zombie was originally a noise rock band. White Zombie are better-known for their later heavy metal-oriented sound...
drummer Ivan de Prume
Ivan de Prume
Ivan de Prume is a heavy metal drummer whose music became famous in the groove metal band White Zombie.Born in Brooklyn, New York City, de Prume comes from a rich history of artists. Ivan's sister, Cathryn is a successful actress and they have collaborated on two short films together. But it is...
; the two hit it off, and Pittman joined Prong in 2000. He played guitar on their 2002 tour that spawned the live album 100% Live. Pittman handled guitar and bass duties for the 2003 album Scorpio Rising
Scorpio Rising (Prong album)
Scorpio Rising is the first studio album by Prong after a seven year hiatus. The first print of the album had a misprint listing "Entrance of the Eclipse" as the 11th track and "Letter to a Friend" as the 12th...
.
On Prong’s 2007 release Power of the Damager
Power of the Damager
- Personnel :*Tommy Victor – guitar, vocals, producer*Monte Pittman – bass, backing vocals, additional lead guitar , associate producer*Aaron Rossi – drums*Al Jourgensen – keyboards & mixing *Gil Elguezabal – audio engineer*Marco A. Ramirez – engineer...
, Pittman wrote 5 of the 13 songs and provided backing vocals alongside bass duties. He is also credited as an associate producer for both Power of the Damager
Power of the Damager
- Personnel :*Tommy Victor – guitar, vocals, producer*Monte Pittman – bass, backing vocals, additional lead guitar , associate producer*Aaron Rossi – drums*Al Jourgensen – keyboards & mixing *Gil Elguezabal – audio engineer*Marco A. Ramirez – engineer...
and the remixed version Power of the Damn Mixxxer
Power of the Damn Mixxxer
-Personnel:*Tommy Victor - vocals, guitar*Monte Pittman - bass, background vocals*Aaron Rossi - drums...
which was released on May 2009.
Adam Lambert
Previous to Adam Lambert's audition on American Idol, Pittman, Lambert, Tommy VictorTommy Victor
Tommy Victor is the lead singer and guitarist for the crossover thrash/industrial metal band Prong that he founded in New York in 1986. In the late 1980s Victor worked as a soundman at CBGB's. After the release of Rude Awakening in 1996, Prong disbanded and Victor moved to Los Angeles. Since then...
from Prong and Steve Sidelnyk formed a band entitled The Citizen Vein.
For the promo tour of Adam Lambert's debut album, Lambert hired Pittman as his guitarist. Lambert and the band appeared on several TV shows as well as at the Gridlock New Year's Eve 2010 festival. Canada's Rock Star Weekly reviewed that "Pittman has a rock-god presence of his own, arising from his well-honed, skilled riffs that come from a connection of love and devotion to his instrument over a long and distinguished musical career"
On June 2010 Pittman became the musical director, in addition to playing guitar for Lambert's Glam Nation Tour which toured North America, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia and Europe.
Solo
Pittman has been known to perform solo acoustic shows in between his responsibilities with Prong and Madonna. His debut solo album, The Deepest Dark, was released in November 2009 and features 11 songs all written by Pittman, except for The Circle which was co-written with Tommy Victor and Adam LambertAdam Lambert
Adam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor from San Diego, California. In May 2009, he finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol...
. All the songs are acoustic.
Almost a year after its digital release, due to popular demand, "The Deepest Dark" was re-released in hard copy CD, with 5 additional bonus tracks. 1 week later, it reached the #1 spot on the most selling albums (Acoustic genre) on CDBaby.com and was #9 in the Top 10 Most Selling Albums on CDBaby for October 2010
Pittman managed to raise $65,500 for his second solo album "Pain, Love & Destiny" through Kickstarter
Kickstarter
Kickstarter is an online threshold pledge system for funding creative projects. Kickstarter has funded a diverse array of endeavors, ranging from indie film and music to journalism, solar energy technology and food-related projects.-Model:...
with the help of his fans. He recorded the album in the summer of 2011 and Noah Shain produced it. The album features Kane Ritchotte
Kane Ritchotte
Kane Ritchotte is an American child actor and musician. He is probably best known for acting in the TV series Monk as Benjy Fleming. He has also appeared in the TV series Judging Amy as James Canello. He was the drummer for Disney's Devo tribute band, Devo 2.0...
on drums and Kelle Rhoads (Randy Rhoads
Randy Rhoads
Randall William "Randy" Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. A devoted student of classical guitar, Rhoads often combined his classical music influences with his own heavy metal style. While on tour with Ozzy Osbourne, he would seek out...
's brother) on piano. It was released on October 3, 2011
Pittman has developed into a fiercely capable musician-- equally able to hold his own in a giant pop stadium tour as in a dark and smoky club belting out brutal metal tunes. Pittman's solo work takes a giant detour from both of those avenues, venturing into melodic acoustic territory on his debut, and branching out into rock anthems.
Guitars
Pittman has been seen using various guitars over the years, including Breedlove and PRSPRS Guitars
PRS Guitars is an American guitar manufacturer headquartered in Stevensville, Maryland. PRS Guitars was founded by guitarist and luthier Paul Reed Smith in 1985. The company is one of the leading manufacturers of high-end electric guitars.-Materials:...
but seems to have settled into using the Gibson Les Paul
Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul was the result of a design collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the late jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. In 1950, with the introduction of the Fender Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. In reaction, Gibson...
as his primary guitar. He has also been known to play Gibson SGs and he has a number of custom made Gibson electrics, acoustics, and basses—frequently specially-built for use in Madonna shows.
Effects
Like most guitarists, Pittman’s effects change from show to show, but he has consistently employed the Roger Linn AdrenaLinn, the Emma DiscomBOBulator, and the Keeley Compressor. He has been known to use Eventide, Boss, MXR, Crybaby, Ernie Ball, Electro-Harmonix, Digitech, Line 6, Dunlop, VoiceLive 2 by TC-Helicon and Fishman effects pedals.Solo
- Pain, Love, & Destiny (2011)
- The Deepest Dark (With Bonus Tracks) (2010)
- The Deepest Dark (2009)
With Madonna
- Drowned World Tour (2001)
- American LifeAmerican LifeAmerican Life is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released on April 22, 2003 by Maverick Records and distributed by Warner Bros. Records. The album produced in its entirety by Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzaï featured references to many parts of American culture...
(2003) - Re-Invention Tour (2004)
- Confessions on a Dance FloorConfessions on a Dance FloorConfessions on a Dance Floor is the tenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was released on November 15, 2005 by Warner Bros. Records. The album was a complete departure from her last studio album, American Life . It included influences of 70s and 80s disco as well as...
(2005) - I'm Going to Tell You a SecretI'm Going to Tell You a SecretI'm Going to Tell You a Secret is the title of an American documentary film that follows pop singer Madonna on her 2004 Re-Invention World Tour. It premiered on MTV on October 21, 2005 and was released commercially in a CD+DVD package on June 20, 2006 by Warner Bros. Records...
(2006) - Confessions TourConfessions TourConfessions Tour was the seventh concert tour by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It supported her tenth studio album, Confessions on a Dance Floor. Madonna confirmed the possibility of going out on a tour as early as November 2005. Jamie King, Madonna's longtime collaborator, was then hired on...
(2007) - Hey YouHey You (Madonna song)"Hey You" is a pop charity song by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It was co-produced by Pharrell Williams. The song was released as part of the Live Earth campaign and was free to download from websites like MSN. It was released digitally as well as on the CD and DVD of the Live Earth concerts...
(single) (2007) - Hard CandyHard Candy (Madonna album)Hard Candy is the eleventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, released on April 19, 2008, by Warner Bros. Records. It was her final studio album with the record company, marking the end of a 25 year recording history. Madonna started working on the album in 2007, and collaborated...
(2008) - It’s So Cool (2009) (CelebrationCelebration (Madonna album)Celebration is the third greatest hits album by American singer-songwriter Madonna, and the closing release under her contract with Warner Bros. Records, her record company since 1982. The release follows her two previous greatest hits albums, The Immaculate Collection and GHV2...
bonus track) - Sticky & Sweet Tour (2010)
With Prong
- 100% Live (2002)
- Scorpio RisingScorpio Rising (Prong album)Scorpio Rising is the first studio album by Prong after a seven year hiatus. The first print of the album had a misprint listing "Entrance of the Eclipse" as the 11th track and "Letter to a Friend" as the 12th...
(2003) - The Vault (2005)
- Power of the DamagerPower of the Damager- Personnel :*Tommy Victor – guitar, vocals, producer*Monte Pittman – bass, backing vocals, additional lead guitar , associate producer*Aaron Rossi – drums*Al Jourgensen – keyboards & mixing *Gil Elguezabal – audio engineer*Marco A. Ramirez – engineer...
(2007) - Power of the Damn MixxxerPower of the Damn Mixxxer-Personnel:*Tommy Victor - vocals, guitar*Monte Pittman - bass, background vocals*Aaron Rossi - drums...
(2009)
With other artists
- Melanie C – Reason (2003)
- Sophie Ellis Bextor – Shoot from the HipShoot from the HipShoot from the Hip is the second album released by British pop–dance singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. It was released by Polydor Records on October 27, 2003, and was produced by Gregg Alexander, Matt Rowe, Jeremy Wheatley and Damian LeGassick.-Background:...
(2003) - Run Run RunRun Run Run (band)Run Run Run is an American indie rock band from Los Angeles. The quintet consists of Xander Smith , Nic Speck , Doug Palmer , Francisco DeCun and Alek Speck .- Discography :...
– Endless Winter (2006) - Run Run RunRun Run Run (band)Run Run Run is an American indie rock band from Los Angeles. The quintet consists of Xander Smith , Nic Speck , Doug Palmer , Francisco DeCun and Alek Speck .- Discography :...
– Good Company EP (2007) - JesJESJES is an acronym that may stand for:* Java Enterprise System, a major computer suite of the Sun Java System brand* Journalism ethics and standards* Job Entry Subsystem 2/3* Junulara Esperanto-Semajno, a yearly central European Esperanto meeting...
– Disconnect (2007) - Nicki RichardsNicki RichardsNicki Richards is an American singer, songwriter, producer, actor based in Manhattan, New York City. She is also known as a backing singer for a number of renowned artists and on a big number of studio recordings. Her father was a high ranking African-American naval officer and her mother, Donna...
– Nicki (2008) - In ExtremoIn ExtremoIn Extremo is a German medieval metal band originating from Berlin. The band's musical style combines metal with medieval traditional songs, blending the sound of the standard rock/metal instruments with historical instruments...
– Sängerkrieg (2008) - Adam LambertAdam LambertAdam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor from San Diego, California. In May 2009, he finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol...
– Take One (2009) - Steve Cooke – Radio (2010)
- Adam LambertAdam LambertAdam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor from San Diego, California. In May 2009, he finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol...
– Adam Lambert Acoustic Live (2010) - Adam LambertAdam LambertAdam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor from San Diego, California. In May 2009, he finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol...
– Glam Nation LiveGlam Nation LiveGlam Nation Live is the first live album by American recording artist, Adam Lambert which was released on March 22, 2011 on DVD and CD formats. The concert was filmed at Clowes Hall in Indianapolis, Indiana during the North American leg of his Glam Nation Tour.-Track listing:17...
(2011)