Montgomery began to rise in popularity. In 1998, Montgomery moved to Austin. The songs on his 1999 CD, Mirror, ranged from the flashy guitar style on "Hopin' That You'd Slow Down" to the beautiful lyricism of the ballad "Magnolia." Montgomery brought both parental forces to bear in the rich harmonic interplay of his voice and his guitar.” -– Robert Hicks, All Music Guide

“I have seen Monte Montgomery 3 times. The first and second time at Rick's in Tyler, Tx. The second time we took a friend (in his late 40's) who has played guitar in bands since high school. We wanted another opinion on his playing since we love good music but don't play. Our friend confirmed our opinion that this guy is Totally Awesome!!! He said ‘I've never seen anything like this, makes me want to put up my guitar.’ So if you get the chance to see Monte live DO IT! There is no comparison to live and his CD's. Not that they aren't good. Especially,When Will I, Took Too Long and the beautifull love song I Know You By Heart on the album ‘Mirror’. These give you a mere taste of his talent. I took 4 friends to Freddie Mack's in Shreveport,La. To see Monte in January and they all loved the show. Our ages range for 25 to 42 so his audience span is pretty good. Hopefully his next album will be a live one. I truly belive that is all his needs to do to really hit it. Texas has spawned some really great musicians and I am proud to put Monte right up there the guitar picking of Stevie Ray Vaughn and the story telling/song writing of Robert Earl Keen.” -– Dee Crump, LoneStarMusic.com

“Monte Montgomery: This Austin-based guitar wizard has been building a following for his incisive lyrics and prodigious gifts as an acoustic picker... emphasizing the rock side of his roots-rock, branching away from blues and country to an epic balladry that's almost British in nature, reminiscent of Mark Knopfler and Richard Thompson. Expect an exciting night of sophisticated songwriting and instrumental dexterity.” -– Noel Murray, Nashville Scene