THE PITCH, Kansas City
June 23, 2009

So maybe you're in the mood for something greasy, a little sleazy and lot satisfyin'. That would be Town Topic — the album and the place. The album is by longtime Kansas City blues- and jazzman Mark Montgomery who covers the blues on this album like cheese on a patty and plays several instruments doing it. The title track is a tribute to the late-night, real-grease hamburger joint. The tune has a serious KC blues-jazz groove with a heaping helping of the mediumslow burn of "Killer Joe." Classic. But Montgomery doesn't just stay downtown. He also does his time in "Johnson County Blues" — if it isn't autobiographical, it sure sounds like it is. And while Montgomery and company serve up flavors of the blues from urban to rural, they also get in a midnight jazz feeling with "Lonely Kansas City Night." For live consumption, Montgomery kicks off day two of this weekend's Kansas City, Kansas, Street Blues Festival, playing Saturday at 11 a.m.

Robert Folsom
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“With Town Topic, Montgomery and Berry cook up a tasty dish spiced with wry humor and served up with stellar musicianship.” 
Chuck Haddix
Host of “The Fish Fry” on KCUR 89.3 FM, Kansas City, MO
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“Mark Montgomery, my own personal beekeeper and musician, reaches out with songs and stories with a relaxing flow that makes you want to sit and enjoy. Couldn’t bee a nicer guy. I hope only great things will come to him.”
Suki 
Uncle Bo’s, Topeka, KS


“There couldn't be a better-titled album than "Easyvillle - American Stories", as Mark Montgomery offers eleven gentle tales of acoustic balladry that share the sounds of blues, folk, and country. At times wistful, other times jaunty, but always heartfelt, Montgomery delivers with vocals and arrangements that are smooth as the honey he sells on the side. Dust off the porch, chill a few beverages, invite some friends over, and let "Easyville - American Stories" be the soundtrack to shared good times.”