Can't Look Back
Alligator ALCD 4885
Wish I Could Be That Strong/ Running Away From Love/ Something About You/ I Won't Beg/ Trip, Stumble and Fall/ Can't See The Streets For My Tears/ Same Old Thing/ Can't Look Back/ Women Have A Way With a Fool/ Back In A Cadillac/ No Longer A Part Of Your Dreams/ Holding Out For You/ Free
This CD of Coco Montoya reflects influences of his thirty-year musical career that have evolved into his own musical style. After playing in the band of Albert Collins for five years, and then in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers for ten years, Coco started his own band in the mid nineties. These days he tours 200 days out of the year, and plays in venues and festivals throughout the world.
Coco can play a screaming guitar in a rock song or an expressive one in a catchy funky or soulful number as well as a melodic one in a tender blues song. There are plenty of opportunities to hear his guitar solos and playing in this CD. His vocals are always clear and strong. Sometimes there is a rough, country edge to them, while at other times, they are soft and gentle.
Coco puts out a lot of energy when he performs. Sometimes it seems more focused in on some tunes rather than on others. Particular favourites, like two of the five songs Coco co-wrote, the mellow, "I Won't Beg," and the bluesy "Can't See The Streets For My Tears" are well done." Coco pays tribute to his mentor, Albert Collins, in "Same Ole Thing." He does a solid, catchy, funky version of this Collins' song, and plays some good guitar solos. He also does a good performance of the song, "No Longer Part Of Your Dreams," which has a nice melody and rhythm pattern. His version of "Holding Out For You" is his most soulful one on the album.
Band-wise, of course Coco plays guitar and sings on all the tracks. Chuck Kirkpatrick plays rhythm and slide guitar. Joe Sublett plays tenor sax on four of the thirteen tracks while Darrel Leonard blows trumpet on three tracks. Several musicians share playing of the keyboards, drums, and bass.
All in all, this is an energised CD with some particularly pleasing tracks. Coco Montoya gives some of the numbers his best shot, while other tracks lack the heartfelt emotion that he is capable of doing. Perhaps just picking out favourites from the CD and repeating them is a good way to listen to this album.
by Maria Bainer © May, 2002
