Coco Montoya – The Soul of the Blues Played Through a Left-Handed Heart
Some blues guitarists blow you away with speed. Some make you cry with feel.
And then there’s Coco Montoya, who does both—but never forgets to groove.
The first time I heard his guitar, I felt like I was hearing a conversation—not just notes, but feelings. And when I learned that he played a right-handed guitar flipped upside down (like Albert King!), it made perfect sense. Because nothing about Coco’s music is ordinary.
His playing is fiery and fluid. His voice is full of soul and sincerity.
And as a blues fan, I can say without hesitation: Coco Montoya is one of the most emotionally powerful players alive.
Who Is Coco Montoya?
Coco Montoya was born in California and got his start playing drums—for Albert Collins, no less! That mentorship would shape the rest of his life. Albert didn’t just teach him the rhythm of the blues—he handed him a guitar and told him to speak with it.
Later, Coco joined John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, stepping into shoes once worn by legends like Eric Clapton and Peter Green. But Coco didn’t imitate—he brought his own fire, and Mayall knew it.
Since going solo in the early ’90s, Coco’s built a remarkable career with a string of albums that are deeply rooted in blues but never afraid to branch out into soul, funk, or rock when the moment calls for it.
The Sound: Left-Handed, Right-From-the-Heart
Coco Montoya’s sound is instantly recognizable:
- 🎸 Guitar: Raw, melodic, and wide open emotionally. He doesn’t shred—he testifies.
- 🎤 Vocals: Warm, gritty, and full of real-life experience. You believe every word he sings.
- 🎶 Style: A blend of West Coast blues, soul, and modern electric tone.
He plays upside-down, without changing the string order—so his bends and phrasing come from a different angle entirely. That’s not just a technical thing—it gives his sound a unique personality, like it’s coming from deep inside.
Albums That Hit Me Right in the Soul
These are the Coco Montoya albums I always come back to:
- 🎧 Gotta Mind to Travel (1995) – His solo debut. Right out of the gate, you could hear the fire.
- 💿 Just Let Go (1997) – A perfect mix of groove and guitar grit.
- 🔥 I Want It All Back (2010) – More soul-influenced, and beautifully produced.
- 🎙️ Coming In Hot (2019) – Classic Coco: passionate vocals, scorching leads.
- 💥 Writing on the Wall (2023) – His latest, and one of his most mature, heartfelt works to date.
Every album feels like a journal entry—honest, unfiltered, and alive.
Seeing Him Live: Fire, Groove, and Real Connection
I saw Coco Montoya live in a small club a few years back, and I’m telling you—it was like watching someone become the music.
He doesn’t posture or play for show. He closes his eyes, digs into a solo, and goes somewhere.
And when he sings? It’s not about hitting the note—it’s about feeling the lyric.
The crowd wasn’t just watching.
We were right there with him, riding the wave of every bend, every groove, every emotion.
Why Coco Montoya Still Matters
In a blues world full of technical players and throwback acts, Coco Montoya plays with heart first.
He’s not just keeping the blues alive—he’s living it, evolving it, and delivering it with truth, soul, and fire.
He makes me remember why I fell in love with this music in the first place.
And the best part?
He’s still getting better.
Still digging deeper.
Still playing like every note matters.
Where to Start If You’re New
Here’s your Coco Montoya starter kit:
- 🎸 Gotta Mind to Travel – His first, and still essential.
- 💿 Coming In Hot – For a fiery, modern Coco.
- 🎧 Writing on the Wall – His latest, full of depth and passion.
- 📺 YouTube: Search “Coco Montoya live,” “Too Much Water,” or “Good Days, Bad Days” for some incredible performances.
More at cocomontoyaband.com
Coco Montoya doesn’t just play the blues—he pours his entire self into it.
And every time I hear that upside-down Stratocaster cry, I’m reminded that real blues isn’t about perfection. It’s about truth.
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