Search - Smokin Joe Kubek, Bnois King :: Bite Me

Back To The Blues

Mr. David W. Pancerz | Dallas, Texas | 04/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For a huge blues fan living in Dallas, TX I was elated to hear of a new Smokin' Joe Kubek and B'Nois King release. Upon listening to the album I was even more thrilled to note that this cd is chock full of in-your-face blues not heard since the release of Cryin' For The Moon. While it does have the requisite experimental tunes featuring Joe's love of effects and wah-wah pedals, quite simply the blues is what these boys do best - period. As with many previous SJK works the last song is an upbeat instrumental that will no doubt open their live shows. Of note are a few tunes where Joe worked up the charts for a most capable horn section - between the brass section, B'Nois' always stunning vocals (and tasty rhythm guitar riffs), and Joe's searing solos, Player Got Played will put a serious smile on the face of any blues fan. Another standout song is I Gotta Have It - if this doesn't make your toe begin to tap, medical attention is highly recommended. To this day these guys tour constantly and put on a superior show. Even better, they're approachable and very friendly. If you like the blues, buy this cd. And by all means, if they come to town it's worth a night out to hear some of the best live music out there."

Just plain good!

Robert Cummings | CALIFORNIA | 05/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For a California Blues fan, this band puts the blues in texas. I gave this record 5 stars, because I know I'll be listening to this cd for years to come. Earlier cd's I'd have rated 7 or 8 stars. That's just how good Smokin Joe and B'nois King are....dynamite. This stuff is comfortable, sitting on the front porch kind of comfort. B'nois King has that wide vibrato and he can do it slow like the song says."

Accessible Rockin Blues...You Cant Fake That Live Feel!!

Lance G. Rigley | Brisbane, Queensland Australia | 06/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who wouldnt this CD appeal to ,I ask you!!I uncovered this delight quite by accident,and I purchased it on impulse,and I must say I am so glad I did!!Smokin' Joe and Bnois King make an awesome duo playing rockin' Texas blues and boogie.This is in the tradition of a long line of great Texas bluesmen,from T Bone Walker,Stevie Ray Vaughan to Gatemouth Brown...it has Freddie King,Albert King,B.B.King,Ben E King...it even has a bit of Don King and the King And I..a seriously good humoured feel good collection based on great guitar licks, some half decent vocals ,and a tight and professional engine room from the support band. This CD is based upon weeks if not months,if not years of touring,and doesnt it show...it wont rewrite the history of contemporary blues,but if they toured Australia I would crawl over broken glass to hear these guys live!! Listen to the licks on *I Gotta Have It* *All About That Thang**That's No Way*and Ready To Learn*and you cannot but smile and feel transported into the zone.The Blues are meant to be accessible and sweaty,that feel is delivered here. Several stand out tracks appear,from *Lay It On Me Leona* *All About That Thang* *Roller Coaster Love*to*I Know That's Right*..they are all well selected and self penned,except one, by the very smirkin'and smokin duo.For the traditionalists listen to the *Player Got Played*..oh yes. The guitar work on here is excellent and this CD grows on you after every listen.I havent launched as yet into the back catalogue,I cant wait,and even if it is as half as good as this overall production I wont be disappointed. I cant help feeling that this effects me like the pre 1978 ZZ Top...what is it about Texas Blues.? Lets be frank ,if you want to be entertained and love the feel of a live act ,the moaning and wailing of the live moment,the real pub and club blues ..this is for you.A worthy addition to my collection,equally enjoyable ,either for sole listening or at a party.A maverick recording worth the money paid,a definately hard to remove from the deck outing.. Blues with a sense of humour and wicked eccentricity,read the notes and you will wonder, Why arent all musicans like these crazy funsters!! Bought on an impulse,4.5 to 5 stars..a must to have.Play loud,and wail on Smokin' Joe...."