Michael Collins (featuring Andy Timmons)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "Michael Collins (featuring Andy Timmons)" by The Reddcoats from their album Studio Session for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song, a standout from their 2020 self-titled EP, is a simmering blend of jazz, rock, and funk, with a hypnotic hook that tells the story of "the odd man out—the person who doesn’t get the attention," as described by bassist and vocalist Matt Bissonette. The track’s vibe is elevated by Andy Timmons’ nimble fretwork, which caught Matt’s ear during a Dallas gig, sparking the idea to bring him into the fold for what would become The Reddcoats. A fun tidbit from a September 2024 X post by @ToneQuest63 compares the song’s epic length to "Free Bird," warning listeners to "enter at your own risk" for its sprawling, immersive energy.

Diving into the song’s creation, "Michael Collins" showcases the band’s genre-busting approach, as Matt Bissonette shared in a 2024 Inside MusiCast interview. He explained how the band throws "jazz, rock, fusion, Latin—all the styles" into a big bag, creating a sound that’s both optimistic and challenging. The track’s intricate harmonies and deft keyboard work by Wally Minko reflect the group’s shared passion for pushing musical boundaries. In a lighthearted quote from the same interview, Minko jokingly praised drummer Gregg Bissonette’s Winnie the Pooh-like voice, highlighting the band’s familial camaraderie. This chemistry, forged through years of crossing paths, shines through in the song’s airtight performance, making it a favorite for fans craving something fresh yet nostalgic.

The Reddcoats came together in 2018, born from a serendipitous moment when Matt Bissonette, a seasoned bassist who’s toured with Elton John, had a day off in Dallas. As detailed on their official website, Matt joined percussionist Mike Medina at a club where guitarist Andy Timmons was playing, and the sparks flew. Matt, his drummer brother Gregg (a member of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band), and Medina had met decades earlier at North Texas State University, promising to collaborate someday. Timmons, a Dallas guitar legend, and GRAMMY-nominated keyboardist Wally Minko, who’d worked with P!nk, rounded out the lineup. Their mutual admiration and diverse influences—spanning The Beatles, Weather Report, and Earth, Wind & Fire—fueled their debut EP, recorded remotely during the 2020 COVID quarantine.

The band’s formation was a culmination of their storied careers. Matt and Gregg Bissonette, hailing from Detroit, started playing together as kids, as noted in a 2022 International Musician article. Their early gigs included jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson’s band in 1983, with Matt on bass and Gregg on drums. Andy Timmons, a Dallas native, rose through the ranks with Danger Danger, while Wally Minko’s keyboard prowess graced sessions with Jean-Luc Ponty. Mike Medina, a multi-instrumentalist, brought his production skills from working with Victor Wooten. This powerhouse collective, bonded by their love for music, channels their eclectic influences into The Reddcoats’ unique sound.

Fans can stay connected with The Reddcoats through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on releases like their 2024 album The Reddcoats 2. While no official fan websites or dedicated Facebook groups were found, the band’s growing following engages actively on their socials, with posts like the "Michael Collins" performance video sparking buzz among Zoo Freaks. For more on Andy Timmons, check out his personal site at andytimmons.com, and for Gregg Bissonette, visit greggbissonette.com. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener, The Reddcoats’ blend of virtuosity and fun is sure to keep the Zoo Crew spinning their records.