Coyote Kings – Move 12.16.11
Chip Eagle | Dec 15, 2011 | Comments 4
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Coyote Kings
Move
Twin Lion/Hot Poop Records
BluesWax Rating: 9
Versatile, Solid, Sexy
The Coyote Kings, from the Pacific Northwest, is not a one-trick pony when it comes to creating and performing music. With soul and enthusiasm, they show off their versatility. The Coyote Kings consists of guitarist “Mondo Mike” Cook, singer/songwriter/guitarist Robin Barrett, and drummer Curtis “Rocket” Johnson. Move, their third release, also features outstanding vocalist Michelle “Mush” Morgan on seven tracks. This album offers a varied listening experience in that each song has its own unique sound, unlike blues albums from many other artists, where one may get the impression one is listening to the same song eleven times in a row.
“Upside Down, Inside Out” is absolutely great. Cook plays guitar with ferocity and is no doubt among the best guitarists around. It just doesn‘t get any better than this. And when this track is done, there is not even time to cool off as “All Tangled Up” keeps the groove going with a strong, funky beat and Morgan’s sexy vocals. With a voice made special for the blues, she puts the “oomph” in this one. With a fiery naughtiness, she also adds a little sumpin’ sumpin’ to the track “Little Sumpmm Sumpmm’,” reminding me a bit of the spunky Sun recording artist Wanda Jackson.
The payoff on this album is a rocking sultry version of Smokey Robinson’s “Get Ready.” This is one tight cover, and the Coyote Kings make it their own, escorting the song into a new decade to become a party favorite for a new generation. This is solid album from start to finish, and I can’t wait to hear more from them.
Phillip Smith is a contributing writer at BluesWax.
Filed Under: BluesWax Weekly • This Week's BluesWax • Weekly CD Reviews
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Three cheers for the Coyote Kings and the Pacific NW!
Coyote Kings are WONDERFUL!!! They get people out there on the dance floor!! This is such great music! I have been friends with Robin & Mike for a long time…came from the same home town. Mush is great…she really adds a bit of a “kick” to the group. I see a great future for these guys.
Thanks so much!
A quick note: Big thanks to Tim Dallas for playing bass on most of the album. Also, Mondo Mike was unable to play on the whole CD. He does however contribute the solos in Only Love I Know, All Tangled Up, Think It’s The Good Life, Blacktop Never Stop, & first solo in Get Ready. All other guitars are done by Robin including Upside Down, Inside Out.
On behalf of Robin, Mush, Curtis, Mike, & Tim, again, thank you so much for a spectacular review!
The CD can be found here…
http://cdbaby.com/coyotekings
What blew me away, was at Charles Smith winery, Blues and BBQ and the BEST HARMONICA PLAYER I’VE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE TO HEAR, OBSERVE, AND EXCHANGE IDEAS!
IS HE only featured with them?
Would love to know.
Believe Charles is his name.
FREAKIN’ OUT OF THIS WORLD. AND SOOOO INTELLIGENT AND AWESOME!