Coco Montoya in interview: “Be yourself, play what you feel!”

On the occasion of the Jazz Sous Les Pommiers festival in Coutances, Blues Actu met Coco Montoya, an iconic figure of the blues and a veteran of international stages. From his beginnings behind the drums alongside Albert Collins, through a decade with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, to his recent albums with Alligator Records, he looks back on his journey, his sources of inspiration, and his vision of the blues today. A heartfelt interview where he shares his convictions: play with heart, stay true to yourself, and never stop learning.

🎙️ The Interview

Hello Coco! A first question about the past. What do you remember from the time spent with your parents as a child, then as a teenager, when you started to take an interest in music?

I remember the music played at home thanks to my mother, father, my two older sisters and my brother. I was influenced by teenagers listening to 1950s rock and roll and doo-wop, by my Mexican heritage with Trio Los Panchos or Miguel Aceves Mejia, and by my father’s big band record collection. He loved Artie Shaw, The Dorseys… There was always great music coming from everywhere.

At 18, you saw Albert King in concert. How did you feel at that moment seeing him on stage as a left-handed guitarist?

I had no idea who he was. I had come to see Iron Butterfly and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Albert King was playing between the two. Until he got on stage, I didn’t know him. And when he played, it was a shock of emotion. It wasn’t about pop success, it was the blues, and it deeply moved me. I had listened to Cream, John Mayall, Alexis Korner, thinking blues came from England. I didn’t know it came from America.

You played drums and guitar for the late Albert Collins. He told you: “Play what you feel. Be real and have fun.” He even called you his son. Since then, do you feel faithful to his advice?

Yes. I think that applies to any musician, to any genre of music. That’s what Albert Collins, Albert King, B.B. King told me: “Be yourself. Own your flaws and your successes.” It’s like a painter who only shows his work when he’s ready.

In 2000, you started recording with Bruce Iglauer for Alligator Records. What can you say about him, his way of working, his role in the label?

Bruce is very skilled and knows what he wants. It took us some time to become friends, but once we understood each other, working together was natural. I am grateful he welcomed me onto his label.

In 2023, you released a sixth album for Alligator Records, Writing on the Wall. In “I Was Wrong,” you write: “Let me be your slave…” Do you think a man can love to that extent, to the point of preferring to die rather than live without her?

This song was written by my friend Dave Steen. It expresses that moment when you have to get down on your knees and say: “I was wrong. Forgive me.”

In another song, you seem happy that another man suffers the same fate in love. Are all these experiences yours?

There are personal experiences, of course. We had fun writing those songs. They talk about those crazy moments when a man drinks too much and ends up waking up not knowing where he is.

“When John Mayall called me in 1984, it was incredible”

You played ten years with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, after Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor. How do you feel when you think you’re on that list?

It’s a blessing. When John Mayall called me in 1984, it was incredible. I was a fan of all those musicians, and working with him revealed another side of myself. I am very grateful to him.

Tonight, your musicians are Jeff Paris, Nathan Brown and Rena Beavers. You also record together. Tell me about your loyalty to each other.

After all these years, it was natural to say: “Let’s make the next album together.” They are wonderful and we will definitely do it again.

What can you say about your albums? You said the last one was the best. Do you still think so?

That’s how I felt at that moment. Each new album is like a new child, you’re always excited.

What advice would you give to a young musician who wants to become a bluesman?

Play what you feel. Also learn music, take lessons. But remember: the most important part comes from the heart, not from technique.

Who do you think today deserves the title of best new blues artist?

Albert Cummings. He’s fantastic, blends several genres and deserves more recognition.

Thank you for your kindness, your answers and your passion for the blues.

Thank you, it was an honor.

Listen to the audio interview on Marc Loison’s website: French | English

Relive the festival evening in pictures!

📸 Photos by Stéphane Dubromel