Coco Montoya: Can't Look Back
By Michael Prager, Boston Globe Staff, 07/12/2002
Coco Montoya has reserved a spot for his mentor and musical father, Albert Collins, on each of his five albums. In 1995, it was Collins's "Gotta Mind To Travel,'' and the result was one of its hottest tracks. On the new album "Can't Look Back,'' it happens again: Montoya blisters through Collins's "Same Old Thing,'' stretching out in a way he chooses not to with most of his own compositions. Though not as regularly, Montoya also likes to put some soul into his mix. This time, he takes a run through "Something About You,'' the Dozier/Holland/Dozier tune popularized by the Four Tops in 1965. Montoya wrote five songs for the new disc, as many as he has contributed to any of his albums. Taken together, these are strong though rarely startling. The ace of the quintet is "Back in a Cadillac,'' which showcases the musicianship of both Montoya and his longtime keyboardist, Benny Yee. It also shows off Montoya's voice and storytelling style, always sharp and dependable components of his kit. Montoya is a the House of Blues on Wednesday.
By Chuck Rummel
Can't Look Back, Coco Montoya's second release on the Alligator label, is packed with thirteen tracks that will satisfy those longtime Montoya fans and attract new listeners to his music. Performing on this CD with Coco are Chuck Kirkpatrick providing rhythm and slide guitar along with background vocals, Scott Kirkpatrick on drums and background vocals. Keyboard duties are shared between Benny Yee and Tommy Eyre, Steve Evans and Bob Glaub on bass, Randy Hayes and Tony Braunagle provide additional drum support, rounding out the group are Joe Sublett on tenor sax and Darrel Leonard on trumpet. Jim Gaines takes on the production duties and has another winner to add to his long list of accomplishments.
With that powerful line up of musicians Coco sets out on a powerful journey that stays at mountain top level throughout the CD. The opening track "Wish I Could Be That Strong" is filled with deep emotional expression, setting the pace for the remainder of the tracks. "Something About You," popularized by the Four Tops back in 1965, gives the CD a taste of soul and is one of the best tracks with Montoya lighting up the fret board part way through. Further into the CD "Can't See The Streets For My Tears" is a slow, powerful number telling the tale of losing a lover with great vocals and keyboards. Part way through the CD he pays tribute to one of his mentors, Albert Collins on the track, "Same Old Thing" with that Collins trademark guitar sound. A favorite of mine is "Back In A Cadillac," telling the story of being cast out for not having the money and other things only to come back stylin' in a Cadillac. It is a showcase of his guitar work and great keyboards from Benny Yee.
Can't Look Back is a strong compilation with five of the thirteen songs written by Coco. Many will say it is his strongest and best work to date. It is definitely worthy of award consideration in several categories. With strong guitar work, vocals and backing by a list of great musicians, it makes for a great listen as you roll on down the road. If you are like me you will have a difficult time taking it out of your CD player.
