Montana Joanna – Same Stars (2026)
While singer-songwriter Montana Joanna is most well-known for regular performances with four separate bands, it is not this that draws our attention today. Her diversity and skills to play in various genres are showcased in Luminatrix, 64LoveMachine, and The Dead Beatclub; but today we let her take us on a journey through her solo jazz-driven project. Technically coming together about five years ago when she decided to pursue the dream of a singing bassist, Joanna steps up with her debut single, ‘Same Stars’. Let’s take a listen, and we invite you to join us.
Joined by drummer Bobby Nelson, multi-instrumentalist Jamie Harrison on piano, guitar and clavinet, trombonist Bryant Letellier, and saxophonist Randy Leago, ‘Same Stars’ is sleek, smooth and soulful. With each instrument running along in a harmonic weave of old-school jazz and funk, the track has you tapping your toes and swaying along from the outset. Yet, despite the mellifluous flow, there is an odd prominence of each element laying a kaleidoscopic sonic path at your feet. The piano particularly whips, twirls and soars, while drums punch in the background, the horns skip along, and Montana Joanna’s bass keeps the pace.
Melodically, ‘Same Stars’ could be enjoyed without any vocals; it’s fun, chilled-out and easy on the ears. The vocals, however, add another dimension to the track that is not necessarily needed but entirely welcome. Montana Joanna’s professional training is evident in her lilting, soulful voice, binding sharp clarity and a bit of a jazz-influenced haziness. Her precision holds your hand to guide you along that sonic path, but the swift, almost sexiness is what enhances her cheeky charm.
Montana Joanna truly believes that “music is for everyone – if you have a desire to do something, you must follow it to see where it leads you!” With ‘Same Stars’, the US-based musician follows her passion, taking us along for the ride. With the promise of two more singles, I hope to hear more songs like ‘Same Stars’.
Find out more about Montana Joanna on her Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
