Montage

by Richie Unterberger
 
After leaving the Left Banke, Michael Brown -- who had been the group's chief artistic force as principal songwriter, arranger, and keyboardist -- worked with Montage to continue in the splendid Baroque pop/rock vein of his early recordings with the Left Banke. Although Brown was technically not even a member of Montage, their sole self-titled album (from 1968) might as well be considered a Michael Brown solo project; he produced the LP, co-wrote most of the songs, played keyboards, and handled the vocal arrangements. With lovely choral vocals and sublime pop melodies, it strongly recalls Brown's work with the Left Banke.