Critically acclaimed West Coast guitarist Coco Montoya cut his chops, as saying goes, with the standard 12-bar blues, and with legendary bluesman Albert Collins as mentor. He went on to be featured guitarist for John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers for a decade before venturing onto a solo career with a band of his own.

But with the release of his 2010 recording, “I Want It All Back”, Montoya, a left-handed guitarist who plays the instrument upside down in the style of Jimi Hendrix and Albert King, infused his music and vocals with a healthy dose of soul. Evolution and adaptation—hallmarks of any true “master”.

Montoya, recipient of the 1996 W.C. Handy Award for “Best New Blues Artist”, returns for a fourth performance at San Juan Community Theatre, Saturday, at 8 p.m. Expect a nice slice of rhythm along with the blues.