Blues On Stage - Smokin' Joe Kubek featuring Bnois King

CD Review
Smokin' Joe Kubek featuring Bnois King
"Take Your Best Shot"
Bullseye Blues & Jazz CD BB 9600, 10 tracks, 44 minutes
by Kurt Koehler bluesnews@kmktech.com

Texas Rock never had it so good. The mixture of sounds and voicings in the music of Smokin' Joe Kubek is rich with variety. Bnois King lays down a rhythm foundation that is unmatched by anything else in the genre which allows Smokin' Joe's creative guitar solos to soar - and wherever he goes, King is right there with just the right support. King is also a vocalist who demonstrates his versatility as a rock, blues, and ballad singer. This latest release is a Jim Gaines produced gem of ten original tracks. From the first cut that is simply - well, Smokin', the set moves quickly through very hard edged roadhouse rock to ballads and lighter swing flavored blues. Little Milton is a featured lead guitarist on two cuts, "You Said I Love You First " and "One Night Affair" which are fabulous additions to this CD. Another cameo audio appearance is Jimmy Thackery on the second cut, "Worst Heartache," which is a rockin' number with heavy percussion and a funky beat. The set closes with Smokin' Joe Kubek tearing it up as hard as he came in on "Never Enough," which is, of course, an appropriately titled tune for Smokin' Joe Kubek's growing legion of fans.

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This review is copyright © 1998 by Kurt Koehler, all rights reserved.

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