Mark Montijo - Horse Named Lefty

​Mark Montijo

Horse Named Lefty
self-released; 2024

By Dan Weston

Mark Montijo’s story begins in the mid-1960s, where he cut his teeth in clubs and festivals, performing original material that bridged the evolving sounds of folk and the socially charged rock and roll of the era. Rubbing elbows with then-undiscovered names like Jackson Browne, Tom Waits, and JD Souther, Montijo made his mark in the West Coast scene. Yet, unlike his contemporaries, he stepped away from the music world, delving into a life filled with, as he puts it, “other stuff”—a curious catalog that includes everything from directing the construction of a Spanish Galleon to building houses and growing a small museum into a national destination.

Now, decades later, Montijo has been coaxed back into the studio by longtime friends and fans, culminating in the release of History, an album that garnered enough attention to earn a feature in American Songwriter. His recent single, "Horse Named Lefty," continues the streak, capturing the essence of his distinctive storytelling style.

“Horse Named Lefty” stands out for its narrative depth, effortlessly weaving themes of identity, longing, and the fading traces of unfulfilled dreams. Montijo’s lyrics leave room for interpretation—whether the titular horse is a metaphor or a real creature feels secondary to the emotional resonance he achieves. The song’s production feels as organic as the story itself, driven by warm, acoustic instrumentation. It’s easy to imagine a group of musicians gathered in a living room, feeding off each other’s energy, and letting the song unfold naturally—a reflection of the communal spirit Montijo evokes in his recordings.

“Horse Named Lefty” is a compelling listen, grounded in simplicity but rich in meaning. If this track resonates with you, keep an eye out for our upcoming review of his full album, which promises to dig even deeper into Montijo’s quiet, yet enduring return to music.

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