Live Review
Smokin’ Joe Kubek & B’nois King
Famous Dave’s – Minneapolis, MN
August 28, 2004
by Dave "Doc" Piltz
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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One of the first live blues shows I had the pleasure of seeing in the Twin Cities was a performance by Smokin’ Joe Kubek and B’nois King at the Blues Saloon, one of the early classic blues venues in St.Paul, Minnesota.
Now just this side of 48 years old, Smokin’ Joe Kubek has established himself as one of the great Texas blues guitarists, on par with the likes of Freddie King, the Vaughan brothers and W. C. Clark. While Kubek began his quest to make his mark in music at the tender age of 14, he did not hit his stride until he teamed up with vocalist and jazz-influenced guitarist, B’nois King. The blending of Kubek’s incendiary guitar with the smooth guitar stylings and signature vocals of King, was magical from the time of their 1991 debut Steppin’ Out to the current release Show Me The Money.
The show by Smokin’ Joe Kubek and B’nois King at Famous Dave’s BBQ & Blues on Saturday evening was easily up to the high standards established by the duo the first time I saw them. While both performers are a bit older, their guitar work and King’s vocals are as good as ever. Dedicating the first set to a woman in the audience named Flo, the band opened with an up beat Texas shuffle, “You Better Get It On,” that a tone that would carry through the evening. The show included a number of originals, including many songs from the new CD, as well as great cover versions of songs like “Two Trains Running.” Smokin’ Joe took most of the solos, demonstrating his fiery brand of guitar while maintaining his usual stoic demeanor throughout the performance. When King took his turn soloing, his guitar work was different and distinctive from Kubek’s, adding nice variety to the sets.
Smokin’ Joe Kubek and B’nois King are always a sure bet whenever they visit the Twin Cities or make an appearance at one of the nearby blues festivals. To find out more about the dynamic duo and their performance schedule, visit their website at www.smokinjoekubek.com.
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