Coco Montoya

Suspicion (Alligator)

Listen to "Get You Business Straight"

While Alligator blues fans and greater bluesdom might not be familiar with the name Coco Montoya, those who follow the miniscule Blind Pig Records and the label's rocking electric roster--of which Montoya was a part for three albums since 1995--are familiar with this man among men, who played with both John Mayall and Albert Collins before starting his solo career. Now, with a recording a bit more refined by smoother, more radio-friendly production, the ex-Icebreaker and Bluesbreaker has found a home on Chicago's Alligator Records, which perfectly suits his powerful vocal and guitar style. From the opener, the Robert-Cray-smooth tune "Enough Is Enough," to the Cajun-flavored "Casting My Spell" that follows it up and the soulful, horn-punctuated "I Need Your Love in My Life," Montoya excels in making a varied, powerful blues-rock album that's pleasing to the ear and entertaining. No one will confuse him for a gutbucket blues purist, and indeed, those still living in the early 1960s will think Montoya has much more in common with rock-n-rollers than bluesmen. Yet his power chords, rich harmonies, and knack for pop-song structure--combined with a strong grounding in the blues milieu--make for a very strong Alligator debut. --Don Fluckinger