Monte Rex Budwig (December 26, 1929 – March 9, 1992) was a West Coast jazz double bassist, professionally known as Monty Budwig.

Early life

Monte Rex Budwig was born in Pender, Nebraska, on December 26, 1929. His parents were musical. He began playing bass during high school, and continued in military bands while he was enlisted in the Air Force for three years.

Later life and career

In 1954, Budwig moved to Los Angeles and performed and recorded under the name Monty Budwig with jazz musicians including Carmen McRae, Barney Kessel, Woody Herman, Red Norvo, and Shelly Manne. Budwig played with pianist Vince Guaraldi in the 1960s, including on the pianist's album Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus. Budwig was part of Benny Goodman's band for performances in New York, and a tour of Japan in 1964. He also began his career as a studio musician in the 1960s, which encompassed film and television shows, with Steve Allen, Johnny Carson, Merv Griffin and Judy Garland. Budwig taught jazz bassist Scott Colley, then a teenager. Budwig toured Australia with Goodman in 1973. He made another international tour in 1974, this time to South America with Carmen McRae. His one recording as a leader was Dig, for Concord Records. He died of liver cancer at home in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, on March 9, 1992. He had a son, Darin, with his first wife. He married his second wife, Arlette McCoy, in 1977. His stepson, Dean McCoy, is a teacher and drummer. Arlette McCoy Budwig, a jazz pianist and teacher, died in 2013.

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Toshiko Akiyoshi With Chet Baker and Bud Shank With Gary Burton With Herb Alpert With Frank Butler With Conte Candoli With Betty Carter With June Christy With Rosemary Clooney With Bob Cooper (musician) With Sonny Criss With Herb Ellis With Bill Evans With Stan Getz With Vince Guaraldi With Richie Kamuca and Bill Holman With Stan Kenton With Barney Kessel With Jimmy Knepper With Stan Levey With Julie London With Junior Mance With Shelly Manne With Charles McPherson With Lennie Niehaus With Joe Pass With Art Pepper With Spike Robinson With Spike Robinson and Harry "Sweets" Edison With Shorty Rogers With Bola Sete With Bud Shank With Zoot Sims With Ira Sullivan With Supersax With Cal Tjader With Sarah Vaughan