Perry Hall Guitarist Produces Texas-Style Blues

It was one of those beautiful late spring evenings in Fells Point. The light from the streetlamps was shimmering off of the gently lapping water in the harbor. The sidewalks were brimming with people of all ages, strolling along, enjoying the cool evening breeze. As I passed closed storefronts and the open doorways of a myriad of historic bars out of which spilled laughter and music, the sound of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Cold Shot” hit my ears.

A trio of musicians were seen through the large, full-length windows of the Thames Street Irish pub, Slaintes. A guitarist, bassist and drummer were laying down the funky Texas-style blues like SRV was known for, heavy notes floating across the air. It was an invitation to enter, grab a cold Flying Dog, drop your worries for a while and relax, Fells Point-style.

The master whose fingers caressed the strings belonged to Rubén Montoya of Perry Hall. That night his band consisted of Mike on drums and Paul on bass. Competing inside the small space with a noisy, slightly inebriated crowd, the group set the tone with tunes from the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bill Withers, Santana, Freddie King and Rubén’s favorite, Albert King.

It has been a unique and fascinating journey for our neighbor, Rubén, who was born in Mexico. His love for guitar blossomed when an older brother acquired a guitar. As a young boy, Rubén used to sneak the guitar out of his brother’s closet, play it a while and then put it back carefully so as not to be caught. In time, Rubén got his very own guitar as a Christmas gift. The story of that gift is still a cherished family memory.

As a young, self-taught musician, Rubén pored over music magazines that translated the chords for popular songs. These poor translations were never quite accurate, but captured enough of the essence to allow him to create a rough simulation of the song. As his style progressed, Rubén found he never recreated an exact replica of a song, but instead added his own Texas flavor. He was heavily influenced by the Texas-blues style when his family moved to Albuquerque, NM. Rubén was a young man coming of age at the time.

Coming to Baltimore several years ago, he happened upon local legend, Kelly Bell, who was playing with his band at a club in Federal Hill. The sound of their blues hit familiar sweet notes, just like the gritty Southwestern players he had come to maturity admiring. On stage with Kelly was gifted Baltimore guitarist Jimmi Sexton.

A love for his new hometown was brewing in the young guitarist’s heart. He had found the players that would become some of his closest peers, collaborators and friends.

Rubén has since laid down roots in his newest adopted town, Perry Hall. He, his lovely and supportive wife, Ellen, and their two sons make the suburban community their home. In a recent conversation, Rubén talked about how Perry Hall will be his children’s legacy. Their roots are here. This is their hometown. The feeling of family and familiarity that comes from the place you grow up in are theirs here.

Rubén recently discovered there is a musical legacy in his extended family. He knew both of his parents were avid singers, joining in singing whenever and wherever they could. His mother was also able to pick out a harmony without even trying, perhaps possessing the coveted perfect pitch. Certainly, their love of music and singing contributed to Rubén’s vocal ability. But in a surprise revelation, he found out his grandmother was a singer and guitarist in the small Mexican town where she was born. It seems the love of music has flowed through his family generation after generation.

A little while ago, Rubén put together a CD of original music. Aptly titled "Home," it is a celebration of love, home and human connections. Explored are universal themes that connect us all, whether it be in a family, a community or any organic, collaborative group. Rubén's varied musical skills include playing guitar, piano, organ and percussion, as well as singing. Accompanying him are some of those same musicians who brought him into the Baltimore musical community, Jimmi Sexton (guitar), John Thomakos (drums) and Erica Scott (bass).

From Mexico to New Mexico to Baltimore to Perry Hall, Rubén Montoya is now adding his own homey Texas-blues flavor to our community. Be sure to check out Rubén’s website and perhaps some evening you'll find yourself on the bar-stool next to mine, enjoying some hot and tasty blues.