|
T he Smokin' Joe Kubek Band, featuring B'nois King, cut its first album for Bullseye Blues in 1991 (an import CD, Axe Man, preceded it in 1990). Although the band has recorded songs by Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Ron Levy (their producer), and others, most of their music is original. Joe has been playing blues guitar in clubs since he was 14. In the band, he plays most of the guitar leads and writes much of the music. B'nois writes most of the lyrics, sings the leads, and plays rhythm guitar and some leads. (Joe and B'nois often switch on lead and rhythm guitar in different parts of the same song, egging each other on to greater and greater intensity.) The band's distinctive sound is a blend of tough Texas blues spiced with jazz, which B'nois played before joining Joe. The rhythm section, usually consisting of bass guitar and drums, has changed several times since the band was formed. After their debut CD, The Axeman, they have produced seven CDs on the Bullseye Blues label and then one on Blind Pig:
Steppin' Out Texas Style, 1991 Chain Smokin' Texas Style, 1992 Texas Cadillac, 1994 Cryin' for the Moon, 1995 Got My Mind Back, 1996 Take Your Best Shot, 1998 Bite Me, 2000 Roadhouse Research, 2003 Show Me the Money, 2004
The band has many loyal fans and has been very favorably reviewed in the blues press. Most notably, they were featured on the cover in Blues Access 42 (Summer 2000), with a long article by Tim Schuller. Based in Dallas, the band tours 270 dates a year and is one of the hardest working blues travellers in the U.S. Click here for upcoming dates. Their booking agent is Jay Reil & Associates. Phone: 847-272-0202. Smokin' Joe's road manager and biggest
fan is his wife Phyllis, seen here sitting with Joe before a
show at the
Here are three photos from that show: Joe with a big smile B'nois with a big smile Phyllis Kubek can be contacted, when the band is home in Dallas (which isn't often) at phylliskubek@netzero.com. Another big fan is Carl Roth who has his own informative website for the band. The band's music may be purchased at all good music stores, both in your locale and on the Internet, including the Bullseye Blues and Jazz/ Rounder web site. Take a look at this nice signed promotional photo of Joe and B'nois. Here is Joe and B'Nois live at a Philadelphia Blues Machine concert in Mt. Airy near Philadephia, in 1992. B'nois played with his teeth and lying down on his back! In 1995, Smokin' Joe Kubek Band with B'nois King was featured at the 18th Annual Halloween R&B Spectacular, Presenting "Killer Guitar Thriller '95" presented by the Bucks County Blues Society in Fairless Hills, PA. Mike Griffin & the Unknown Blues Band and Big Dave and the Ultrasonics were also on this outstanding program. The band also played at the BCBS R&B Annual Picnic in 1993. In May 2004, the band appeared at A.J.'s Sports Bar in Levittown, PA, hosted by the Bucks County Blues Society. Here are some photos from that gig: Bassist Paul Jenkins, Phyllis Kubek, and B'nois King.
In November 2004, Smokin' Joe returned to New Jersey. Here are some photos from the band's stellar appearance at Holy Wisdom Hall in Flanders, where the band was preceded by The Revs, led by Fr. Dan Staniskis, Pastor, Holy Wisdom Church. Father Dan played with Smokin' Joe's band toward the end of the second set, to the joy of the members of the congregation who attended.
Note: Illustrations on this web site include authentic signatures of Joe and B'nois on CDs and photos in the collection of Gary Saretzky, who may be contacted at saretzky@comcast.net. For Gary's other web sites, see Saretzky Online. |
Old Bay in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in October
2000.
