Over the course of his 30-year career, guitarist
and vocalist Coco Montoya's explosive guitar playing and
soul-driven voice have propelled him to the upper reaches
of the blues-rock world. From his early days as a drummer
to his current status as one of the top-drawing guitarists
and vocalists on the blues-rock scene, Montoya has forged
his reputation through years of hard work and constant touring.
And it all started with a chance meeting in the mid-1970s
with legendary bluesman Albert Collins, who offered Montoya
a gig as his drummer. Albert took an immediate liking to
Montoya, becoming his mentor and teaching his new protégé
secrets of the Collins "icy hot" style of blues
guitar. Five years later, John Mayall happened to catch
Montoya at a jam session and was blown away. This led to
Montoya's touring the world for ten years with the legendary
Bluesbreakers. Since stepping out as a bandleader in 1993,
Montoya has released four solo albums and has performed
non-stop at clubs, concert halls and major festivals all
over the world. At every show, fans' jaws dropped, and critics
raved about Montoya's mind-bending guitar licks and impassioned
vocals. "The fiery blues that issue forth from Coco
Montoya's guitar are awe-inspiring and boogie requiring,"
shouted The Village Voice. "Blistering, pure blues,"
cheered Blues Revue. Now, with Can't Look Back (AL 4885),
Montoya turns up the intensity with another dose of his
feral, soul-stirring music.
On Can't Look Back, Montoya once again uses
blues as a blasting off point for his rock solid, groove-laden
music. With his icy hot guitar playing and his soulful,
unaffected vocals, Montoya attacks each of the 13 songs
with deep feeling and ferocious energy. Produced by Jim
Gaines (Luther Allison, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan), every
song on Can't Look Back (including five Montoya originals)
burns from start to finish. From the scorching Wish I Could
Be That Strong to the grooves and passion of Trip, Stumble
And Fall to the ear-catching Can't Look Back to the reinvention
of Albert Collins' Same Old Thing, Montoya brings all the
unbridled force of his acclaimed live shows into the studio
for a foot-stomping, guitar-fueled ride.