It always amazes me that at one point in John Mayall’s storied career, both Walter Trout and Coco Montoya were Bluesbreakers ! (Watch Them
Here) Throughout the years, I listened to more music from Walter than Coco. However, Coco is closing the gap based on his last three albums. And while I admit to not having heard all of Coco’s albums, his recent release
Writing on the Wall may be my favorite.
About Writing on the Wall
Throughout Writing on the Wall Montoya’s vocals are as strong as his impeccable guitar playing. Additionally, the album is the first to feature Coco’s touring band.
Writing on the Wall is the second Coco Montoya album Grammy Award-winner Tony Braunagel (Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal) has.produced. In addition, Tony provides drums on four tracks. The band’s keyboardist Jeff Paris (Keb’ Mo’, Bill Withers).co-produced and recorded at Jeff’s Garage. Other members of the band include bassist Nathan Brown and drummer Rena Beavers.
Musicians joining Coco and the band on the album include: guitarists Ronnie Baker Brooks, country star Lee Roy Parnell, and Dave Steen.
Of the 13 tunes that comprise the album five were composed or co-written by Montoya. Steen wrote four and Paris one. All three together they co-wrote the title track .
The Bottom Line
The following quote found at the top of Coco’s biography on his website pretty much sums up Coco’s music:
“Blistering contemporary blues…piercing attack, funky, shivery guitar tones and aggressive, soulful vocals” -Blues Revue
While the following advice from Albert Collins seems to be taken to heart on Writing on the Wall...
’Just play what you feel, be real about it, and enjoy yourself.’ That’s what Albert Collins taught me,”
It seems that bringing in his touring band to create this album has been a real success and produced one of Coco’s best if not the best albums. From the start of his solo career Montoya has incorporated the lessons he learned from his mentors, both the iconic Collins (for whom he originally drummed), and UK legend John Mayall,
His first solo album in 1995 won him the Blues Music Award for Best New Artist. And from that point forward Montoya has been one of the top blues artists in the world. But he hasn’t rested on his laurals, but continues to find new ways to improve his music! And sharing the songwriting with his band along with the top-notch producing of Tony Braunage in the creation of Writing On The Wall have done just that!
The bottom line is Writing on the Wall is an A+, so Check It Out! AllMusic writes the following about Coco and I totally agree!
“One of the most prodigious and gifted electric bluesmen on the planet…a deeply soulful singer and incendiary guitarist [with] a seemingly endless penchant for invention.” – read more
In the hands of harmonica master Grant Dermody the harp rumbles like a freight train, sidles up like a soul singer, purrs like an electric cat, rings out in a rhythmic dance. Pair it up with his voice, a strikingly honest vocal approach that resonates in the direct center of your chest, and the intrigue just increases.