Monte Pittman

While the life of a sideman is sure to generate a pretty varied résumé, few have as odd a pedigree as Monte Pittman. Hailing from Longview, Texas, the guitarist, singer, and songwriter got his start playing in bands around his native state before moving to Los Angeles in 1999, where he took a job as a guitar teacher. The job would turn out to be a boon for Pittman, who took on a nice couple, director Guy Ritchie and international pop star Madonna, as students. Pittman was invited to join Madonna's band while she was touring for Ray of Light, and he became a constant fixture. A...