About Frank Montis
I’m a Hammond organ player, pianist and vocalist from the Netherlands.
Born Frank van den Berge — Dutch for “of the mountain” — I took the Latin form Montis as my stage name. Someone once called out “Hey, Frankie Montis!” at
Porgy & Bess in Terneuzen, referring to my father’s company of the same name — and the nickname just stuck.
I grew up surrounded by music and started playing the Hammond organ as a child. The sound, the depth, and the warmth of the instrument drew me in from the very beginning, and it has been at the heart of my musical life ever since.
Over the years I’ve been involved in many different bands and projects that all share one thing: groove. I’ve played and recorded with groups such as The Jazzinvaders, The Soul Snatchers, and Laura Vane & The Vipertones, and I co-founded DelMontis with saxophonist Rolf Delfos — a project that still exists today, though a bit under the radar.
Until late 2024 I was part of Montis, Goudsmit & Directie, alongside guitarist Anton Goudsmit and drummer Cyril Directie. We played a mix of soul, jazz, and funk, and released two albums: Taste of Culture and Root Up. Both albums are still available through the Jazzhub Store. It was an energetic and inspiring time that opened many doors and brought our music to stages like North Sea Jazz, Paradiso, Bimhuis, and Zwarte Cross.
My current projects are all about the same love for authentic, groove-based music.
The Frank Montis Trio — Guus Bakker on bass and Pim Dros on drums — returns to the piano and Rhodes, combining instrumental interplay with vocals in a more acoustic, open format.
The Pulitzers bring together Bas van der Wal, Phil Martin, and Salle de Jonge in a raw, vintage-sounding funk setting. Their debut album Honk Honk is also available via the Jazzhub Store.
Happy Village (Rolf Delfos and Pim Dros) explores a more intimate jazz sound, balancing freedom and lyricism. Their album Ubi Dubi can likewise be found in the Jazzhub Store.
Montis & Menu Cookbook is a new quartet I lead together with baritone saxophonist Jan Menu. Together with Vincent Koning on guitar and Dylan Vos on drums, we pay tribute to the classic baritone-and-Hammond sound in jazz history — not by copying it, but by giving it our own twist, with pure groove, improvisation, and interplay at its core.
Hammond Madness is my newest adventure: two Hammond organs, played by Rob Mostert and myself, powered by drummer Chris Strik — a celebration of everything that makes the instrument so unique.
Alongside performing and recording, I run HammondLessons.com, where I share what I’ve learned about playing this incredible instrument. It’s a place for organ players and enthusiasts who want to dive deeper into the sound, style, and techniques of the Hammond.
For me, music has always been about connection — between musicians, and between the player and the listener. Whether it’s in a quiet trio, a full-on funk band, or behind the camera recording lessons, that same energy keeps me inspired to play and to keep the Hammond sound alive.
About HammondLessons.com
I started HammondLessons.com because I wanted to teach in my own way — outside of the usual music-school setting. While I occasionally give guest lessons at Codarts in Rotterdam, I’ve always felt the need to create a space that reflects the way I learned and fell in love with this instrument myself. The Hammond has something alive in it — a sound that moves, breathes, and connects directly to feeling and groove. That’s what I want to pass on.
HammondLessons.com began as a small idea: a few online lessons for people who shared the same curiosity about the organ. It has since grown into a learning environment with complete video courses, sheet music, and interactive Soundslice notation. My goal is to keep expanding it step by step — adding more material, insights, and inspiration for anyone who wants to learn how to really play the Hammond: with feel, expression, and understanding of its roots.
Ultimately, HammondLessons.com is about sharing what the instrument has given me — a lifelong source of joy, groove, and connection.
Featured Albums
Below are a few of the albums that are still personally available through my own Jazzhub Store. Each record represents a chapter in my musical journey — from organ trios to full-on funk bands.
The Pulitzers – Honk Honk
A raw, vintage-inspired funk album with Bas van der Wal, Phil Martin, and Salle de Jonge.
Happy Village – Ubi Dubi
A warm and intimate jazz record with Rolf Delfos and Pim Dros.
Montis, Goudsmit & Directie – Taste of Culture
The trio’s debut album — soulful, energetic, and groove-driven.
Montis, Goudsmit & Directie – Root Up
The follow-up album, recorded live and bursting with spontaneity.
