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| Alligator Records Signs The Smokin' Joe Kubek Band Alligator Records is pleased to announce the signing of The Smokin' Joe Kubek Band Featuring Bnois King. The Texas-based rock and blues band is fueled by the raucous roadhouse guitar of Smokin' Joe Kubek, perfectly complimented by the more jazz-oriented guitar work and vocals of Bnois King. The band, which was formed in 1989, will release their as yet untitled label debut in January 2008, to be produced by Kubek and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer. According to Iglauer, "Joe and Bnois are a real powerhouse blues combination. Joe is an amazing guitarist who can play anything in blues, from the most traditional Texas style to totally blowout blues/rock. Bnois is a gorgeous singer with deep Texas soul, and his guitar playing is subtle and melodic. Together they make an unbeatable two-man front line backed by a solid, versatile rhythm section." And Kubek is simply thrilled to be with Alligator. "Alligator is the Rolls Royce of blues labels. After all my life of being a musician, this is the greatest achievement and brightest spot of my career. I'm looking forward to making the best recordings I've ever made, and I'm looking forward to seeing all of our fans on tour." Kubek was born in Grove City, PA in 1956 but grew up in Dallas. He was leading his own bands when he was only 14, and was bowled over by the blues a short time after first hearing Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Kubek soon discovered the music of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and other early blues masters. By the time he was 19, he was backing many famous blues players in the area, including legend Freddie King. In 1976 Kubek was about to head out on tour with King when King died suddenly of a heart attack. Kubek next worked with R&B singer Al "TNT" Braggs and made a host of new friends, including B.B. King, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many other blues icons. He often found himself jamming with these larger-than-life blues stars while playing constantly around the Dallas area. In 1989, Kubek met guitarist/vocalist Bnois King, a native of Monroe, Louisiana. The two melded their seemingly divergent styles – Kubek a rocking and fierce picker and slider, King a jazz-inflected chorder – into one of the most potent guitar combinations the Southwest had ever produced. Kubek explains the relationship succinctly: "I pull the blues out of him, and he pulls the jazz out of me." Calling themselves The Smokin' Joe Kubek Band Featuring Bnois King, they were signed to Bullseye Blues and released their debut CD, Stepping Out Texas Style, in 1991. The band immediately grew out of the Southwest and began touring nationally. After a successful series of Bullseye releases, they signed to Blind Pig Records in 2003. Their popularity continued to build on the strength of their music and the energy of their live shows, which number over 150 dates per year. Now, as the band's newest chapter is unfolding, they will reach their largest audience yet. Kubek and King are itching to get into the studio and record in Dallas in September, and even more excited to hit the road and bring their distinctive and incendiary music to every corner of the blues-loving world. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |