Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King are opposites in their individual approaches to the guitar. Joe Kubek is rockin', he played rhythm guitar in Freddie King's band until King's death, while Bnois King has a more jazzier guitar style. They played together for the first time in 1989 and have just released their tenth album and third on Blind Pig Records.

Recorded live at the J & J Blues Bar in Fort Worth Texas on New Year's Eve 2005 this album burns from start to finish. Smokin' Joe Kubek's guitar is incendiary while Bnois King stokes the fire. Paul Jenkins, bass and Ralph Powers, drums round out these two pyromaniacs.

After a brief introduction the pair ignites with "Burn To The Ground", "I Saw It Coming", and "My Hearts In Texas" from their 2004 Blind Pig release "Show Me The Money". Included from "Roadhouse Research" released the previous year are "Tell Me Why", "Better Be Getting It On", "Make It Right" and the closer "Healthy Mama". New are "Where I Want To Be", "She's Too Busy", "Boogie On Down", and "That's Allright". The live versions add fuel to the already explosive tunes. This is the way they are meant to be heard.

Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King smokinjoekubek.com often appear at The Turning Point turningpoint.com 468 Piermont Avenue, Piermont, New York. They will be there on Thursday April 20th in support of this new not yet released album which is due out May 9th. If you haven't seen them live, now is your chance.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com