He and his former Kush & Jo Jo Zep colleagues, singer Jeff Duff, and  saxophonist Wilbur Wilde, continue to work together sporadically, appearing as a guest artist with Montesante’s bands.

Playing Trumpet, Flugel and Keyboards, John founded Grand Wazoo-Kings of Soul in 1981 and has led the band continuously since, writing over 300 special 10 x part arrangements, for his band to perform. These works have their genesis within the Afro-American Soul & iconic RnB outfits’ repertoire, but Montesante’s orchestrations give them a new vitality, requiring top ‘reading’ musicians to perform them. Other musicians and bands from around the globe are constantly contacting John Montesante, wanting to acquire copies of his Soul arrangements.

Considered Australia's Ambassador of Soul, John has performed, backed, supported, acted as musical director, or arranged for various eminent international and Australian artists including Delilah, Lovelace Watkins, Al Martino, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett Band, Nancy Wilson,Venetta Fields, Tina Arena, Reg Livermore, Jeff Duff, Peter Cupples, Marcia Hines, Kate Ceberano, Hollywood Brown, Hot Chocolate, Neischa Fitzgibbon, Lisa Edwards, Renee Geyer, Joe Camilleri, Normie Rowe, Jackie Love, Max Merritt and countless others...eg. It was John Montesante he who gave Kate Ceberano her first experience singing Soul, when he engaged her at 17, to perform in Grand Wazoo for 2 years.

John has toured internationally, and performed with Grand Wazo in media-including regular appearances on Hey Hey Its Saturday, GMA, Midday Show, Denise, Footy Show, and performed live on ABC radio & numerous AM & FM radio outlets .As well as leading Grand Wazoo- Kings of Soul, John performs as a relaxation with his Jazz Quintet & also leads his occasional Big Band, Café Society Orchestra - making him a uniquely dedicated figure within the Australian music scene.