Since the mid-1960s Frank Cotolo has been composing and recording original music. Long retired from live performing, Cotolo continues to write and produce music that defies genres by breaking down all of their various boundaries. In the late 1990s he began delivering his music to a web audience, receiving passionate reviews that applaud and lambast his efforts. His artistic efforts ensue, along with a growing fan base.

With three decades of experience in show business, Cotolo has written books, articles, poems and songs, all published; he has written material for and acted in performances for stage, screen, radio and TV; he is an award-winning journalist; and he has produced radio shows, CDs and recorded material for other artists.

I will be listening to Frank Cotolo's "The King of Monkey Island (KOMI) for this review...I started off by listening to many of his songs that are posted on the EvO:R website. I listened to songs like "I've Died a Thousand Times"- "Westphalia" - "Nothing, Nowhere" before I listened to the full "The King of Monkey Island" project . After my first listen it became obvious that there is a huge variety of musical flavor sprinkled through his body of work.

Sometimes it's hard to hear where a musician's influence comes from, however, with Frank Cotolo this is not the case. I heard wrapped within the music the influences of Brian Wilson, The Beatles, and even a reminiscent sound of the vocals of Randy Newman. These were just some of the obvious ones as Frank takes bits and pieces from many different styles of music and brings them together.

For the KOMI project Frank has done a great job with bringing the influences of Brian Wilson and John Lennon together (even though they were arch rivals during their storied history). The style throughout KOMI easily switches from one to the other but it is still all Cotolo. It is a very visual project that is well put together from beginning to end. In fact, at times it's a soundtrack waiting for a movie to appear. In many ways it's a children's story through music. It maintains the same theme all through the 13 songs that comprise the KOMI disc. Which unfortunately and the only really bad thing about this project, the carnival organ theme (done also by other instruments) is in almost every song. Frank does do a good job getting past that, but the background does get a bit predictable.

My favorite song on the disc is "Bread and Circuses" what a great recreation of the Beach Boy's sound. I also appreciated the song, "Harbor Days" with the vocals preformed by, Jack Cotolo, Frank's son, it helps bring a nice feel to the entire project.

There was plenty of effort put into "The King of Monkey Island" that's very evident when listening to this fine project. With help from his wife Kristen Cotolo on vocals and co writer of many songs, plus other talented musicians joining in to make this an interesting endeavor. It reminds of "Pet Sounds" from the Beach Boys. "KOMI", at times can be hard to follow but, with an unmistakable talent behind the concept.

It's easy to tell that Frank has taken plenty of time in the thought process of his music. In the past working primaraly with a simple 4 track recorder. Sometimes it is hard to put together a group of songs on a 4 track and then get the music, where you want it, and how you wanted it to sound. He has proven he's learned the tricks it takes to get past most of that.

Now that KOMI enters the digital domain we must wonder what is next for the King of Analogue?

Frank Cotolo has his own remarkable history in the music business, having been touched by many great talents. His music has been influenced by their work and he has used that gift to the fullest. Is Frank Cotolo a great musician? I would say most definitely!