Coco Montoya and the Pirate Josh

Halloween in Kansas City. I don't know that there's a lot of tradition wrapped around that event. I haven't been out on Halloween in a long time, but wound up down at Knuckleheads last night to see blues/rock legend Coco Montoya. What a guitar man!

Sitting a bit down from me at the table was the Pirate Josh. Pirate Josh is only a pirate on Halloween. The REST of the year, he's an Elvis impersonator. He kept the table cracking up with his tales of Elvis parades here in KC, the people, the parties, his receptions as he cruises the casinos dressed as Elvis. Then he'd take off to make the rounds of the club, shaking hands, toasting with strangers who were no longer strangers, or swaying across the dance floor like it was the deck of some really weird pirate ship. He added a considerable amount of color to the evening.

Coco Montoya is one powerful singer and guitar player. Playing everything from soft, sweet melodious notes to blistering hot blues licks, Coco gave a tremendous show. You can tell why other legendary bluesmen, such as John Mayall, hold him in high esteem. Listening to his plaintive blues blending with the powerful sounds of the train engines and horns just a few feet away from the club is an experience that will remain etched in my memory, something that has to be experienced to be truly understood. It was truly an honor to get to shake that man's hand. If you weren't there last night, you missed a once in a lifetime moment.

Many thanks to Frank and Mary, Coco Montoya, and the Pirate Josh for making this Halloween a truly memorable evening.

posted by B.G. Roberts @ 7:52 AM