Together again, Bellucci, Montgomery in Jan. 12 concert at Elks Lodge

By IAN WEINER
Posted 1/8/19

“Not a lot of people get chances like this, and I just take it as a blessing,” said Cory Bellucci, a self-taught guitarist who will have the opportunity to play alongside renowned American blues …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Together again, Bellucci, Montgomery in Jan. 12 concert at Elks Lodge

Posted

“Not a lot of people get chances like this, and I just take it as a blessing,” said Cory Bellucci, a self-taught guitarist who will have the opportunity to play alongside renowned American blues musician James Montgomery for the third time at the Tri City Elks lodge on Jan. 12.

Bellucci began playing the guitar when he was 10 years old and played with Montgomery for the first time in 2011. He decided to put down the instrument for four years, but picked it up again two years ago.

“It took me a while to get back to where I was, and I’m feeling pretty confident,” Bellucci said.

Montgomery has a detailed background in music, performing with Boston, Santana, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith and many more. He began playing in Detroit at the age of 15, and after finding that the blues had an overwhelmingly positive effect on him, continued to push his passion into a career.

“I started a band right out college and started a record deal with The Allman Brothers’ record label,” Montgomery said. “We traveled all over the country playing at major venues for the first 12 to 15 years of our career.”

Through The Allman Brothers, Montgomery was introduced to Aerosmith, Les Paul, KISS and more. Montgomery found Bellucci through Jim Taricani, who was an investigative reporter for WJAR.

“Jim is an old friend of mine and he told me about this young kid named Cory Bellucci, so I checked him out,” Montgomery said. “He just has amazing talent.”

Montgomery and Bellucci’s first performance was at the Elks lodge in Warwick, the same venue the two will play at later this week. Montgomery has mentored a handful of young people over the years, including Norah Jones and Grace Kelly, but appreciates playing with Bellucci because of his versatility on stage.

“He really expresses himself with the guitar,” Montgomery said. “When he’s done with a solo, he knows how to play as an ensemble player as well. He’s a good kid and as a soloist people aren’t going to believe how good he is.”

Montgomery is excited to see how Bellucci has progressed since the last time they played together.

“I think that people who come to the show should understand that they’re watching this kid evolve right in front of them,” Montgomery said. “He’s going to become one of the great guitar players.”

Bellucci is looking forward to playing at the Elks again, as he enjoys the atmosphere.

“It’s a good spot,” Bellucci said. “It’s a great place, a lot of good people come by, and it’s a really great place all the way around.”

Montgomery moved to Rhode Island 25 years ago and has played at the Providence Performing Arts Center and other venues throughout the state since 1973.

Bellucci hopes to use the concert to gain some recognition and create further opportunities. He often plays at venues in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as Renegades nightclub in Warwick and Murphy’s Law Irish pub in Pawtucket.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by phone by calling the Elks lodge at 486-1929. The two will also be joined by George McCann on the guitar, David Hull on the bass, Marty Richards on the drums and Doug James on the saxophone.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here