Band Members

COYO means many things, coyote, ka-o-tay- our music is dedicated to the natural world and embraces the common ground we all share as human beings. Listen to the Wind turns an ear to the wonders of this world.

From deep within our hearts there beats a rhythm harmonious with the heart of all things. Each song a story, sometimes like a delicate breeze, softly touching the skin (a gift). Can you hear that small voice? Come, once again to this miraculous place - Sing with the coyotes - Soar with the Eagles and the Hawks - Dance naked through the junipers - YOUR SPIRIT IS FREE - Listen to the wind.

RON LAWS - Flutes

It was said, “That in the old growth forests of Southern Oregon, if one were to listen to the wind late at night, there were stories to be heard.” Here’s one.

Many years ago, my family and I lived in a one room tent in a beautiful valley amidst the blue tip pines of Southern Oregon. Near our home was a trout-filled stream that meandered down a hillside where it split to run around a grassy meadow which contained a stand of old growth sugar pine. At the heart of this grove stood a huge old tree that was the center of my world of magic and wonder. Here I would come each day with my oatmeal carton drum and my bag of willow whistles and flutes to enter a place apart from the limits of time. Here, amidst my elder brothers, the trees, I could play and dance and feel the love and power of this world.

Often I imagined myself to be one of the great trees, standing tall and proud. In their sacred presence I felt the miracle of my heart beating, the gift of pure air filling my lungs, my feet rooted to the earth - - and in the gold light of the sun I would spread my arms as great branches and my thoughts, like birds, would soar. I was free! Singing with my coyote brothers, my heart flying in great circles with the hawk. And when I danced naked amidst the pines, the wisdom and music of creation flowed through my being as effortlessly as wind moved through the branches above me.

Because I was where I loved to be – - in kinship with life - - there was nowhere to go, and nothing to achieve.

Sometimes, from deep in the mystery of this wondrous world, I would hear stories whispered, perhaps by the old growth, about those who had danced in this meadow before me, and who had, each in there times, been drawn away into the busy world of men where there were many tasks to accomplish and many lessons to learn. During these times, I could feel myself being pulled into another place, into a world that I did not yet understand. One day, my time came, and I also left that beautiful valley to learn through many heartaches and joys the strange ways of those who did not remember the voices of the trees, the brooks, the birds and the sky. But when my heart was filled with pain, or my steps had become too disjointed, I would play my flute, my drum, and dance again. In the music, and in the dance of my remembrance, all was well.

It is said,” that the breath of a true human being causes the wind to blow.” Listen To The Wind.

DALE LARGENT - Handdrums, Percussion

After playing the piano from age 5, Dale began the study of western percussion in Illinois' public schools at age 7. He has been drumming ever since. Early years brought Interlochen Music Academy, the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Greater Chicago, and playing the traps for a Dixeland jazz band.

While specializing in handrums and percussion, Dale has a diverse and extensive musical background. Ranging from orchestra halls to night clubs, Dale has performed Dixieland, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, and Bluegrass. Largent toured over 100 days in 2006 with Taarka, COYO and Cadence3.   Largent has also performed with the Everyone Orchestra, Steve Kimock, Vince Herman, Joe Craven, Mamady Keita, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Darol Anger, Jeff Austin, Sharon Gilchrest, Keith Greeninger, Damian Erskine, Nathan Moore, ThaMuseMeant, Chojo Jacques, Reinhart Melz, Brad Tisdel …  Also a recording artist (currently signed on Frogville Planet), his recordings include albums with Taarka, COYO, the Everyone Orchestra, Blue D'arts, Willie Carmichael, Shannon Ames and several others.  A 2008 solo release is expected. 

When Dale first discovered handdrums at a drum circle, he experienced for the first time the true voice of drums, the true wonder of a stretched hide, and the true joy of rhythm. He has had no interest in sticks since. He now specializes in performing, recording and teaching Djembe, Ashiko, Conga, Doumbek, Marimba and hand percussion.

Dale is proud to endorse Music Makers of Bend, Oregon.

TIM MOORE - Guitar, Mandolin

Tim’s musical training began at the age 12 in the Jazz Band at Oregon Episcopal School in Portland Oregon where he was first exposed to the art of improvisation.  Tim  continued to study improvisation and played in various Eugene-based bands while attending the University or Oregon.    While attending graduate school Tim left the band scene in favor of the acoustic guitar and began to write and compose songs, though his musical journey became secondary while he finished his MS Psychology degree and started a career as a counselor.

Tim was looking for a way to return to music through combining music and the healing arts when he saw Ron (Coyo flutist) performing at a Deepak Chopra lecture in Redmond, Oregon.  Tim realized then that the guitar would make a great addition to the music Ron was creating with his flutes.  As their vision expanded with the addition of Dale on percussion it became clear that the trio was expressing a unique sound creating a perfect vehicle for the expression of healing energy.

Tim’s guitar career has centered on rock, jazz and folk music.  In the past several years Tim has expanded his skills into the indigenous realm, approaching the guitar as a percussion instrument.  His style invites all to be in the moment.  Tim is quite pleased with the sound of the locally manufactured Breedlove guitars that he plays.  It is Breedlove's 12 string design that is partly responsible for COYO's sound. The fullness of the 12 string’s sound and the unique tunings help create the band’s distinctive sound.

Band Members