KEYS MUSIC: COCONUT KOALAS DUO IS GENUINE, REFRESHING & TALENTED

December 16, 2021

Solomon Underwood and Luna Clementine Fox met in Marathon in the Florida Keys in July 2019. The two hit it off immediately.
“We met 2 ½ years ago in Marathon,” said Underwood. “In fact, that was also the very first time we played music together.”

Underwood, 28, was born and raised in Marathon. Fox, 33, grew up in St. Augustine. Together, they make up one of the Florida Keys’ most talented duos, the Coconut Koalas.

Coconut Koalas is an eclectic duo whose set lists include everything from original songs to Fats Domino to Robert Johnson to Louis Armstrong. Both Underwood and Fox cite the Delta blues as a major influence on their playing and songwriting. Fox says that, in addition to Delta blues, she loves jazz singer/songwriters like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Underwood draws inspiration from great folk songwriters, especially Bob Dylan.

Listening to and watching the Coconut Koalas, one can certainly hear those influences. It is also clear this duo is hugely talented. Fox’s voice is soulful, sweet and pitch perfect. Underwood, who also has vocal talent, is an exceptional guitar picker. His chicken pickin’ style is reminiscent of many of those old-school Delta blues artists like Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt. Their vibe is organic and authentic. There is a unique refreshing sound to their style.

The pair is filled with gratitude for the chance to play music together in the Florida Keys. They can be seen playing weekly gigs on Sundays at Frita’s Cuban Café for brunch from noon to 2 p.m., 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays at Viva Saloon and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at 24 North Hotel.

“There is so much great talent here in the Keys. We’re just so happy to be a part of the scene,” Fox said. “We love to play and really enjoy listening to other musicians in town.”

The duo cited several local musicians as influential favorites, including the great Blues guitarist Larry Baeder, fellow singer/songwriting duo The Shanty Hounds, the talented songwriter Lance Taylor, and longtime friend and folk musician Steve Gibson.

The couple make their home in Big Pine Key, where they enjoy spending time in nature. They are avid animal lovers and are often seen about town with their dog by their side.

“Music and animals are passions of mine,” says Fox. “As a young lady in St. Augustine, I saved up to buy a horse. I’ve even been involved in rescuing howler monkeys as a volunteer at a wildlife rescue center.”

I enjoyed chatting with and listening to the Coconut Koalas at Frita’s Cuban Café on Southard Street in Key West. Frita’s courtyard was the perfect setting for a brunch and music.

“We’re so grateful to Marcia here at Frita’s. She gave us one of our very first opportunities to play in Key West almost a year ago,” Underwood recalls.

The Koalas have been working on some recordings and hope to eventually release an album. They have several songs written and recorded. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for their gig schedule, and check out their YouTube page for some well-done music videos.

This music junkie highly recommends a visit to any of the fine venues where they perform. Go see and support this talented, young and relatively new to Key West singer/songwriting duo.