August 2, 1995

Gotta Mind to Travel

Coco Montoya, Gotta Mind to Travel (Blind Pig Records 1995) -- With the release of Gotta Mind to Travel, Coco Montoya's debut album, it's tempting to call this talented guitarist/vocalist a "new name." However, those who follow the blues scene know better. Montoya's long working relationships with John Mayall and the late Albert Collins have given him vast experience in the blues, and plenty of time to develop his own personal voice.

And that voice comes through loud and clear on Gotta Mind to Travel. Montoya has assembled a terrific party band to compliment his bouncy delta-blues style and tasty guitar leads, including Debbie Davies on rhythm guitar, Albert Molinaro on bass, Joe Yuele on drums, and Mike Finnegan on Hammond B-3 organ.

Though Montoya grew up playing in rock 'n roll bands, his blues career started in 1972 when Albert Collins discovered him playing drums at a little bar in Culver City. A few months later, Collins asked Montoya to join his touring band.

After several years of touring with Collins, Montoya hooked up with John Mayall's Blues Breakers. Montoya soon advanced to lead guitarist in the Blues Breakers (following in the footsteps of such greats as Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor), and spent ten years touring the world with Mayall.

Montoya's solid musical education is evident on Gotta Mind to Travel, which features a classic blues sound and B.B. King-style vocals. From party cuts like "Too Much Water" and "Talkin' Woman Blues" to slow-down numbers like "Someday After Awhile," Montoya delivers the goods.

Gotta Mind to Travel is also benefitted by guest appearances from Richie Hayward of Little Feat, Al Kooper, and his mentors - Albert Collins and John Mayall. Says Montoya, "I'm dedicating the album to Albert Collins because he gave me freely, as a father would give a son." Fans of the blues take note. Coco Montoya is ready to grab your ear.

Megadeth, Hidden Treasures (Capitol 1995) - Speed metalists Megadeth are now touring to support Hidden Treasures, a special collection culled from soundtracks and best-of discs. The band will be appearing at Wilson Theater on August 10th with Korn and Flotsam & Jetsam. It's loud, it's in your face, it's Megadeth.

With six albums behind it, Megadeth is a powerful member of the metal committee. The band consists of lead singer Dave Mustaine (formerly of Metallica), Dave Ellefson, Marty Friedman, and Nick Menza. Though Megadeth has a dark side, they also want to see the light. Says Dave Mustaine, "My life is average, my life is normal, and anybody can have this kind of existence if they are prepared to work for it. My life is a mirror what anyone's life can be." Right, Dave.

In any event, Hidden Treasures is a pleasant surprise. The album includes "No More Mr. Nice Guy" (originally penned by Alice Cooper), a cut that appeared on the Shocker soundtrack, and "Paranoid," a Black Sabbath track that Megadeth recorded for Nativity in Black - A Tribute to Black Sabbath.

Fittingly, the album also includes "Go to Hell," a song that was featured on the Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey soundtrack, "99 Ways to Die," which originally appeared on The Beavis & Butthead Experience, and a previously-unreleased version of "Problems," which was first performed by The Sex Pistols.

The highlight of the album is the anthemic "Angry Again," which appeared on the Last Action Hero soundtrack. "Angry Again" is a great rocker: balanced between destruction and redemption, the song finds Dave Mustaine in perfect voice.

Hidden Treasures is only available in a limited release, so get it now. If you need a further dose of primal rock 'n roll, don't miss Megadeth at the Wilson Theater.

-- Randy Krbechek