Coco Montoya Returns with I Want It All Back

Ruf Records announces a March 9 U.S. release date for 'I Want It All Back', the new release from acclaimed blues guitarist, Coco Montoya, distributed in the U.S. by the Allegro Corporation.

Produced by Keb' Mo' and Jeff Paris, I Want It All Back showcases Montoya in his most innovative setting thus far, tapping into his roots of blues, soul, rock, rhythm and blues and doo wop, while showcasing a soulful, passionate vocal sound that will serve as a revelation to those who only know him for his guitar prowess.

"People know where I'm at with the guitar, but here the vocals are being concentrated on," said Coco about the new album. "There will certainly be guitar, but the focus has been on song structure and my vocals. I think it's healthy to take chances. It's being able to humble myself and take direction and guidance. As co-producers, Keb' and Jeff have been working extensively with my vocals. I'm very proud of the performance they're getting outta me."

The producers assembled a cast of stellar musicians to back Montoya on I Want It All Back, including a core all-star rhythm section of Reggie McBride (Keb' Mo, Stevie Wonder, B.B. King) on bass and Stephen Ferrone (Average White Band, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty) on drums, with Keb' Mo' adding rhythm guitar and Jeff Paris playing keyboards. Rod Piazza on harmonica and "Miss Honey" Alexander on piano are special guests on a torrid cover of the Buster Brown classic, "Fannie Mae." Other song highlights of the new CD include the Motown sound of "Forever" (originally done by the Marvelettes) and The One Who Really Loves You" (Mary Wells' hit); the soulful "Cry Lonely," and "As Close As I Have Come," both co-written by award-winning songwriter Gary Nicholson; a modern take on Jackson Browne's "Somebody's Baby;" and a funky cover of The Penguins' doo-wop classic, "Hey Senorita."

Born and raised in Southern California, Coco Montoya grew up listening to a wide variety of music. His first blues apprenticeship came when he joined the band of blues legend Albert Collins as his drummer. After picking up the guitar, Montoya soaked up all the intensity, emotion and soul he could from playing with a blues master such as Collins. He later spent an extensive stint with another mentor, with the great John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, with whom he recorded three albums, before leaving to go solo.

Coco Montoya released three critically acclaimed albums with Blind Pig Records in the '90s and was voted Best New Artist by the Blues Foundation in 1996. In 2000, he signed with Alligator Records, releasing three more albums that continued to build his reputation as one of the most exciting contemporary blues guitarists in the world.