RecentMusic - Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King New Releases

Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King

Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King formed one of the most dynamic pairings in contemporary blues music, combining fierce guitar work with soulful vocals in a partnership that spanned over two decades. Smokin' Joe Kubek, born on November 30, 1956, in Grove City, Pennsylvania, was known for his aggressive electric guitar style which was rooted in Texas blues and honed from playing with legends such as Freddie King in his youth. Bnois King, born on January 21, 1943, in Monroe, Louisiana, brought a smooth, jazz-tinged vocal approach that perfectly complemented Kubek's fiery fretwork. The two met in the late 1980s in Dallas, Texas, quickly forging a musical bond that would see them become a powerhouse in the blues circuit.

Their recorded output included a slew of critically acclaimed albums, with their more recent releases prior to 2015 consistently showcasing the vitality and relevance of their blues ethos. "Close to the Bone" stripped down their sound for an acoustic set, while "Have Blues, Will Travel," "Blood Brothers," "My Heart's In Texas," "Show Me The Money," and "Roadhouse Research" were full of electric, high-energy blues-rock that resonated with both purists and new listeners alike. The duo’s music was characterized by Kubek’s growling guitar riffs and King's insightful storytelling, demonstrating a musical camaraderie and chemistry that was unmistakably infectious. Their performances were a celebration of the blues tradition with a modern edge that kept their sound fresh and vibrant until Joe Kubek's untimely passing on October 11, 2015.

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