Smokin' Joe Kubek (1956 - 2015)

SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK  (1956 - 2015)   Acclaimed blues guitarist Smokin' Joe Kubek passed away suddenly on October 11, 2015, in North Carolina. His long-time musical partner Bnois King said, "He loved the blues. He was always very serious about the music and the presentation of the music.  He had a modern style but he really studied those old cats.  And, he would literally give you the shirt off his back.  He was a great friend." Visitation Hours This Sunday, October 18, visitation hours for fans who want to pay their last respects will be from 3-5 pm at Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home, 606 West Airport Freeway in Irving, Texas (972-579-1313).  The following graveside service will be private, restricted to family and very close friends only. Thanks to Music Cares, The Blues Foundation's HART Fund and The Actors Fund For Everyone, the cost of the funeral expenses and the expense of bringing Joe home will be taken care of in full. Donations Needed Making ends meet is problematic for any full time blues musician, but Joe had been having a difficult time financially recently due to his beloved wife Phyllis’s battle with breast cancer.  He had been staying off the road so he could be home to take care of her. She could always count on Joe to be there for her, but now that he's gone, Phyllis will now be on her own and left without income and plenty of bills to pay.  We're asking the Blues Music Community to donate toward her living expenses and also for prayers and moral support. As tough as this for all of Joe's fans, please consider how this tragic loss is impacting Phyllis. She thanks you for your well wishes.   If anyone wants to make donations to ease the financial stress she will be facing there are three ways fans can contribute: A special Go Fund Me account: https://www.gofundme.com/2q6ek4f4 Through a PayPal account: Click the "Send" tab at the top and use this email: pkubek@tx.rr.com Or a check made out to Phyllis Kubek can be mailed: c/o Piedmont Talent Agency P.O. Box 680006 Charlotte, NC 28216 To see an example of Joe's guitar mastery and his special chemistry with Bnois, here's a video of them performing "Healthy Mama" from their live DVD and CD entitled My Heart's In Texas, which was recorded at J and J's Blues Bar in Fort Worth in 2005.  To watch, please click HERE. For more information visit www.blindpigrecords.com.

NOTED GUITARIST "SMOKIN'" JOE KUBEK PASSES AT AGE 58

NOTED GUITARIST "SMOKIN'" JOE KUBEK PASSES AT AGE 58

Acclaimed guitarist Smokin' Joe Kubek passed away yesterday while on tour in North Carolina.   He was 58.  There's no question why he was given the nickname "Smokin’."  He was one of the hottest electric guitar players on the blues scene, with the technique and the chops to burn up any stage.

Kubek was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania in 1956 but grew up in Irving, Texas. He was leading his own bands and gigging in clubs all around Dallas when he was a teenager.  By the time he was 19, he was backing many famous blues players in the area, including playing rhythm guitar behind legend Freddie King for a while, until King's death in December 1976.

Kubek next worked with R&B singer Al "TNT" Braggs and made a host of new friends, including Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan (with whom Kubek became close), B.B. King and many other blues icons.

Kubek didn't hit his stride, however, until he teamed up with jazz guitarist and singer Bnois King (no relation to Freddie) of Monroe, Louisiana, in 1989.  They developed into a dynamic musical tour de force, one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre, who thrilled music fans all around the world with their red-hot Texas rockin' blues for twenty-six years.  Beginning in 1991 they released a number of highly-acclaimed recordings, their most recent being Fat Man's Shine Parlor, released earlier this year on Blind Pig Records.

Bnois said, "He loved the blues. He was always very serious about the music and the presentation of the music.  He had a modern style but he really studied those old cats.  And, he would literally give you the shirt off his back.  He was a great friend."

Label President Edward Chmelewski said, "Joe was truly one of the good guys, a humble, kind person and an immensely gifted musician. It's a great loss for all of us.  We feel privileged to have known him and documented his music."

Label co-founder Jerry Del Giudice added, "He was one of the best guitarists I ever worked with.  His playing was flawless and soulful.  I not only considered him an excellent guitarist, but also a friend. He will be sorely missed."

Blind Pig publicist Debra Regur, who's worked with Kubek since 2003, said, "It is with such great sorrow that I write these words for my dear friend. Joe was an amazing guitar player, producer, and more importantly - a great friend. Joe was an inspiration to all that met him. He always had a positive outlook on life. He played every note with passion - there will never be another like Joe."

To watch Debra's iPhone video of Joe playing guitar at Biscuits and Blues in San Francisco several months ago, please click HERE.

Smokin Joe Kubek has passed - My thoughts and prayers are with his family

Johnny Main of the 44's has posted that Smokin Joe Kubek has suffered a heart attack in his room before his show. He is reportedly passed. I will provide more information as I have it. It is a sad day indeed.


Born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, Kubek grew up in the Dallas, Texas area. In the 1970s during his teen years, he played with the likes of Freddie King and in the 1980s began performing with Louisiana-born singer, Bnois King. In 1985, Kubek released his first record on Bird Records, a 45 RPM single with the tracks "Driving Sideways" (written by Freddie King and Sonny Thompson) and "Other Side Of Love" (written by Doyle Bramhall, Sr.). The single was executively produced by Clint Birdwell and co-produced by Charley Wirz and Kubek. The two tracks reappeared on Kubek's 2012 album, Let That Right Hand Go, produced by Clint Birdwell and issued on Birdwell's label, Bird Records Texas. The album is a collection of mostly unreleased material recorded since the 1980s (with the 1985 single's track, "Other Side Of Love", entitled "The Other Side Of Love"). In 1991, Kubek released his first full-length album entitled Steppin' Out Texas Style (Bullseye Blues Records) and has since released over a dozen albums on various labels.

New video from Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King!

NEW VIDEO FROM SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK & BNOIS KING! Blind Pig Records has released a video of "Cornbread," the second track on Fat Man's Shine Parlor, the new album from Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre.  To watch the video, please click HERE. The latest addition to the duo's prolific discography just jumped to #1 on the Living Blues Radio chart for February.  Kubek and King have been thrilling music fans all around the world with what Billboard called their "hard-hitting original Texas blues-rock" for twenty-five years, and have developed into a dynamic musical tour de force, with Joe's flame-throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals.  Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Here's a list of their upcoming shows: March 11 San Francisco, CA Biscuits & Blues March 13 Birkenfeld, OR The Birk March 14 Milwaukie, OR Winter Blues Festival March 15 Seattle, WA Highway 99 Blues Club April 1 Kansas City, MO BB's Lawnside BBQ April 2 Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino April 4 Omaha, NE 21st Saloon April 8 Memphis, TN Lafayette's Music Room April 9 Monroe, LA Bleu Bayou Harley Davidson Rally April 18 Erie, PA Get The Winter Blues Out 2015 April 19 Auburn Hills, MI Callahan's Music Hall April 21 Del Ray Beach, FL Bostons On The Beach April 24 Goodland, FL Little Bar Restaurant April 25 Sarasota, FL Sun Coast Blues Festival April 26 Sebastian, FL Earl's Hideaway April 27 Pensacola, FL Seville Quarter May 16 El Paso, TX El Paso Blues & Jazz Festival May 30 Mobile, AL Blues Tavern May 31 Montgomery, AL Capitol Oyster Bar "Fat Man's Shine Parlor" is available from fine retailers everywhere.  For more info, please visit our website HERE.   To order from Amazon, please click HERE.

"Fat Man's Shine Parlor" #1 at radio!

"FAT MAN'S SHINE PARLOR" #1! Latest Kubek & King Release From Blind Pig Tops Living Blues Radio Chart Fat Man's Shine Parlor, the latest release from Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, jumped to the top of the Living Blues Radio chart for the month of February.  The album is also #2 on the Contemporary Blues radio chart from Roots Music Report. Joe and Bnois are one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre, known for their red-hot Texas rockin' blues.  The dynamic musical tour de force features Joe's flame-throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals.  Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Here's a list of their upcoming shows in support of the album: March 6 Phoenix, AZ The Rhythm Room March 7 Tucson, AZ Boondocks Lounge March 8 Long Beach, CA Malarkey's Grill March 9 Tarzana, CA Maui Sugar Mill Saloon March 11 San Francisco, CA Biscuits & Blues March 13 Birkenfeld, OR The Birk March 14 Milwaukie, OR Winter Blues Festival March 15 Seattle, WA Highway 99 Blues Club April 1 Kansas City, MO BB's Lawnside BBQ April 2 Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino April 4 Omaha, NE 21st Saloon April 8 Memphis, TN Lafayette's Music Room April 9 Monroe, LA Bleu Bayou Harley Davidson Rally April 18 Erie, PA Get The Winter Blues Out 2015 April 19 Auburn Hills, MI Callahan's Music Hall April 21 Del Ray Beach, FL Bostons On The Beach April 24 Goodland, FL Little Bar Restaurant April 25 Sarasota, FL Sun Coast Blues Festival April 26 Sebastian, FL Earl's Hideaway April 27 Pensacola, FL Seville Quarter May 16 El Paso, TX El Paso Blues & Jazz Festival May 30 Mobile, AL Blues Tavern May 31 Montgomery, AL Capitol Oyster Bar

Kubek-King ablum debuts on Billboard chart

KUBEK & KING RELEASE DEBUTS ON BILLBOARD CHART! "Fat Man's Shine Parlor" at #11 in First Week! The new Blind Pig release from celebrated guitar tandem Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King - Fat Man's Shine Parlor - debuted at #11 on this week's Billboard blues sales chart. Besides fans at retail, the album is being well received by critics and radio programmers.  Living Blues magazine said, "For a heavy dose of heavy-hitting Texas blues-rock, a visit to Fat Man's Shine Parlor is definitely in order." Blues Blast magazine added, "The new album finds Kubek and King doing what they do best, rocking out in Texas roadhouse style on a series of tough blues, boogies and rockers...another solid album with much to enjoy." At radio, the release was #7 on the Roots Music Report's Blues Radio chart, and jumped into the Top 20 on Living Blues' radio chart for January, despite being released on February 3rd. Here are some of the comments from radio programmers: “This is a very cool release.  These guys continue to set the bar with solid guitar based groovy blues.  – Brian Bourgoin (WCNI-FM ) “They never seem to stray from the great standard they have set of gritty vocals and power guitars. ” – Ray Hansen (BOB FM ) “They consistently provide a wonderful sound of the blues, that triggers strong feelings, with wonderful and solid lyrics.”   - Emm Thurston ( WVBR-FM ) “LOVE IT.  Will be playing it for several months. Great stuff!  – Richard Skelly (WRSU- FM) “I began playing it last week and I will continue playing it until the day I die.”                                                                       - John Gorny (WPNA- AM ) Kubek and King are a dynamic musical tour de force, with Joe's flame-throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals.  Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Upcoming shows: March 6 Phoenix, AZ The Rhythm Room March 7 Tucson, AZ Boondocks Lounge March 8 Long Beach, CA Malarkey's Grill March 9 Tarzana,CA Maui Sugar Mill Saloon March 11 San Francisco, CA Biscuits and Blues March 14 Milwaukie, OR Winter Blues Festival March 15 Seattle, WA Highway 99 Blues Club April 1 Kansas City, MO BB's Lawnside BBQ April 2 Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino April 9 Monroe, LA Bleu Bayou Harley Davidson Bike Rally April 18 Erie, PA Get The Winter Blues Out April 21 Del Ray Beach, FL Boston's On The Beach April 24 Goodland, FL Little Bar Restaurant April 25 Sarasota, FL Suncoast Blues Society April 27 Pensacola, FL Seville Quarter

New release from Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King!

NEW RELEASE FROM SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK & BNOIS KING NOW AVAILABLE!   Blind Pig Records has released Fat Man's Shine Parlor,  the latest studio album from Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre. Joe and Bnois have been thrilling music fans all around the world with their red-hot Texas rockin' blues for twenty-five years, and have developed into a dynamic musical tour de force, with Joe's flame throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals.  Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Regarding the CD title - as a young musician, Smokin’ Joe Kubek would venture in the wee hours after a gig to a declining, somewhat unsavory Dallas neighborhood in search of fried chicken. A commercial district for African-Americans, the area had been a hotbed for jazz and blues musicians from the 1920’s through the 50’s where you could also find gun and locksmith shops, tattoo studios, pawnshops, and pool halls. Joe was fascinated by one remaining establishment across the street called “Fat Man’s Shine Parlor.”   Ostensibly a place to get your shoes shined, to those in the know, it was also a place for other activities such as gambling, drinking, and womanizing. Joe sees this CD in a similar light – crack open the door, and inside you’ll find lots more than advertised.  Only in this case, the pleasures will be musical. For more info, or to order this great CD for $15, please click HERE.  To buy this CD for only $10 as part of our 5 CDs for $50 offer, please click HERE. To order the CD or downloads from Amazon, please click HERE.  You can pre-order the album now from iTunes, with individual tracks available on the release date, next Tuesday, February 3rd.  For the iTunes store, please click HERE.

Blind Pig Records artist:Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King - Fat Man's Shine Parlor - New release Review

I just received the newest release (February 3, 2015), Fat Man's Shine Parlor by Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King. This reunion release with Blind Pig is long overdue and really grooves. Opening with boogie track, Got My Heart Broken, King and Kubek keep it simple (like Hooker intended) with only Shiela Klinefelter on bass, Eric Smith on drums and Kim La Fleur on guitar taking it above a basic two man boogie. Very cool. On Cornbread, a quick paced boogie, King leads the way on vocal and Kubek rips some really tasty riffs trading with King and LaFleur. Diamond Eyes slows things down a bit to a basic blues rock ballad with a nice guitar bridge. Crash and Burn has a cool early rock beat and structure. Clean simple guitar solos and drum riffs carry this track. River Of Whiskey is built over a "Crossroads" like riff and each man steps up with his own guitar riff. Don't Want To Be Alone has an R&B sway and King always shows his best vocal work on tracks like this. Kubek lays out a real nice bluesy guitar solo making this one of the best tracks on the release. On Brown Bomba Mojo, Klinefelter and Smith lay down the basic riff giving King and Kubeck free space to cut it loose. With a bit of twin guitar lead this track hits solid. How Much also has a number of the characteristics of early rock music with hints of R&B. I particularly like the drum breaks which give the track some extra flair. Hot flashy guitar riffs spice up the track just right. One Girl By My Side is a blues rocker with just a taste of country. Cool guitar effects give it extra texture and soaring guitar solos mixed with King's solid vocals make this a track to hear. A standout track, Lone Star Lap Dance is a real cool shuffle with guitar riffs all around. Excellent! Done Got Caught gets down and dirty with a solid, slow blues. King shines on vocal and extended guitar solos make this a definite must hear. Returning to the basic rock beat for the closer, Headed For Ruin, King sets the stage and Kubek closes with tasty guitar riffs. Cool closer for a cool release.

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Cleopatra Records Inc - A Blues Tribute To Creedence Clearwater Revival - New release Review

I just received the newest release from Cleopatra Records, A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival. Opening is a rousing Fortunate Son with Mike Zito and Sonny Landreth on slide guitar. These guys tear it up...nuf said! The Mynabirds are up next with Bad Moon Rising, a female interpretation of the track sounding like a blend of U2 and Crissy Hines with a Bo Diddley rhythm. Proud Mary is covered by Blitzen Trapper. An easy rocker with light drums, vocals, a few tidy guitar riffs and keys. Down On The Corner is covered by Spirit Family Reunion with a solid Cajun flavor. A raspy but solid lead vocalist, nicely blended backing vocals and accordion cover most of the melody with addition of banjo and harmonica as well as assorted percussion instruments. Have You Seen The Rain is covered by Dead Man Winter. This is a simple vocal track with minimal instrumentation (tambourine and acoustic guitar) and I think that it's one of the purest tracks on the release. Looking Out My Back Door is covered by LeRoux and has a solid New Orleans feel with upfront snare drumming. Nicely blended vocals over this funky march is really quite pleasant and key and guitar solos are shot but tight. Duke Robillard covers Who'll Stop The Rain bringing along a troop of heavy hitters like Bruce Bears, Brad Hallen and Mark Teixeira. Duke takes the lead vocal and keeps fretwork to mostly nice atmospheric chords with a short break. Bears plays a real nice solo punching up the track. South Memphis String Band featuring heavy hitters Jimbo Mathus (drums and vocals), Alvin Youngblood Hart (guitar and vocal)and Luther Dickinson on bass takes the hard line rick road and sets a cool stage for slide work over the hot rocker Up Around The Bend. Susie Q gets a bluesy lope by Will Wilde. A nice blues rocker with hot harp work and relentless rhythm guitar and drums makes this another contender for top track. Run Through The Jungle gets a real bluesy rock version that is pure Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King. Another hot track, Kubek lays down some nice riffs here. Kirk Fletcher covers Green River with some of the richest guitar work on the release. Fletcher definitely knows his way around the guitar and spares no mercy here! Wrapping the release is Born On The Bayou covered by Trampled Under Foot. The dimension of a solid female vocalist in Danielle Schnebelen over what is other wise a solid Creedence mix makes for a cool wrap of a cool release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King re-sign with Blind Pig

SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK AND BNOIS KING RE-SIGN WITH BLIND PIG RECORDS Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre, have signed a recording agreement with Blind Pig Records.  The pact marks a reunion between the veteran music duo and the label, which issued the group's CD entitled Roadhouse Research in 2003 and released Show Me The Money the following year.   In 2006, Blind Pig released a live full length concert DVD and a CD titled My Heart's In Texas that was recorded in Fort Worth on New Year's Eve. Kubek and King, who have been playing together for twenty-five years, have developed into a dynamic musical tour de force, with Joe's flame-throwing guitar work complemented by Bnois' cool, jazz-inflected playing and soulful vocals. Their incendiary live shows feature two top flight guitarists intuitively locked in with each other and backed by a firepower rhythm section, making for a powerful and irresistible combination. Current plans call for recording to begin this fall, with the first album under the multi-record deal to be released in early 2015. Said Kubek, "We are very excited to be back with Blind Pig.  Some of the best stuff we perform on stage, the favorites that our treasured fans from all over come to hear, is material we recorded for Blind Pig.  It's a label that always delivers the very best quality music to fans and radio, and we're all about giving our fans and blues radio our very best artistry.  Bnois and I are looking forward to our next release coming out on the Blind Pig label.  See ya soon..."

Hal Leonard - Smokin' Blues Guitar - Smokin' Joe Kubek - Guitar tab and DVD - Release Review

I've had the opportunity to review Hal Leonard's release, Smokin' Blues Guitar featuring Smokin' Joe Kubek. This is a well prepared and clearly illustrated instructional video and accompanied lesson book. The chapters are Licks, Riffs, Turnarounds, Rhythm, Slide and a section aimed directly at capturing the essence of some of the best blues players. I personally went through the book and video and found some of the lessons quite easy and some very challenging. This is a book that you could play with for a long time and continue to learn something each time through. Although no instructional program has all of the answers, this is a very interesting lesson which has keys that could assist any player trying to develop your blues and guitar skills. Kubek illustrates each of his points clearly and even shows you a number of his secrets. The last portion of the program is a feature which looks at the style of the following players: T-Bone Walker, Gatemouth Brown, John lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Elmore James, Guitar Slim, BB King, Albert King, Freddie King, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Billy Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughn, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Kubek captures the essence of these players not such that you can play like any of these players but how you can use some of the classic riffs that they are known for and adapt them to your own style. Beginners, intermediate players and advanced players will benefit from the use of the combination of the DVD and Tab package.

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  Here's a sample lick video:

Delta Groove Music artists: Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King - Road Dog's Life - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (September 17, 2013), Road Dog's Life, from Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King and it may be their best yet! Opening with Big Money Sonny, King tells the story sounding more and more like Curtis Mayfield (a high compliment from me) and playing a high stepping R&B style blues track, Kubek plays some really nice riffs joined by Willie J Campbell on bass and Jimi Bott on drums. On Come On In, King plays a cool double stop rhythm under the melody and Kubek slips in some crisp blues riffs making this a cool track. On Nobody But You, a cool shuffle tune, Randy Chortkoff joins on vocals and Kim Wilson trades riffs with him on harp. On the title track, Road Dog's Life, the band sets up a more straight forward blues rock track with riffs traces to the Yardbirds. Kubeck steps forward and spits some hot riffs on the guitar adding quite a different flavor for a nicely rounded track. On one of my personal favorites on the release, K9 Blues, King belts out a real swaggering blues with Wilson and Kubek each contributing particularly hot riffs. The story line of this track will certainly stick with you as well... "you call me a dog". That Look On Your Face has a bit of a Latin feel to it and a blistering guitar solo from Kid Anderson highlights a really strong track. On shuffle track Face To Face, Kubek sends stinging guitar riffs a King and King sends them right back. Nice dual. On I Ain't Greasin', a Chuck Berry like rocker, the band gets things kicking and Kim Wilson adds some nice harp work as well as vocals to the mix for a real nice jam. On a Morganfield style track, Talkin' 'Bout Bad Luck, I particularly like Kings vocals as well as a cool steel guitar solo from Kubek. This particular rhythm pattern has been used by everyone from Duane Allman (No Money Down) to ZZ Top. Each band gives it's own twist and flavor and this is a particularly cool one. On the final track of the release, That Don't Work No More, a happy blues rhythm (like " It's All Over Now) leaves you tapping your feet and wanting more. Overall I think the entire body of music presented on this release is better as a whole than the other releases that I have heard by this duo. Individually, I also believe that some of the singular tracks stand among their best. Super job!

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This track is not from the new release but is representative of their work.

Pre-Order New Releases at a 15% Discount

	BE AMONG THE FIRST & GET YOUR CDS AT A DISCOUNT WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK & BNOIS KING SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK & BNOIS KING "ROAD DOG'S LIFE" Retail: $17.99 Our Price: $12.99 PRE-SALE: $11.04 (15% off) RELEASE DATE: 09/17/13 "King's vocals are like aged whiskey, smooth and mellow, with a warm glow that spreads throughout your body when you partake." – Blues Revue Magazine "…the intricate interplay between their differing guitar styles is truly impressive…" – Living Blues Magazine "Kubek and King bring a full course meal to the dinner table. With this dynamic duo from Dallas you get great songwriting, two distinctive approaches to the guitar and a singer in Bnois King with a voice and vocal style that delivers the message like very few in the modern blues world." – Blues Junction MUSICIANS Smokin' Joe Kubek: guitar [right], lap steel (10) Bnois King: vocals, guitar [left] Kid Andersen: guitar [center] (6) Randy Chortkoff: harmonica (3, 11), vocals (3) Kim Wilson: harmonica (3, 5, 9), vocals (3, 9) Willie J. Campbell: electric bass (all tracks except 8 & 11) Patrick Recob: electric bass (8, 11) Jimi Bott: drums Produced by Randy Chortkoff Engineered and mixed by David Z. Since first pairing up back in 1989 for a weekly Monday night gig at a neighborhood pub in Dallas, Texas, Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King have become an inseparable musical force. Indeed, the scientific notion that opposites attract has found no better basis in fact than the shining examples of King's understated, jazz-inflected guitar, in stark contrast to Kubek's incendiary, fret-burnin' sorcery. For over twenty-years this fearsome twosome has been sweeping through towns and plundering festival and nightclub stages across the globe with the notorious ferocity of a deadly Texas twister. In as much time this enduring partnership has also produced thirteen critically-acclaimed recordings before embarking on their latest chapter with the Los Angeles-based blues label, Delta Groove Music. In 2012, Kubek and King signed on with Delta Groove to record what was to become the pair's fourteenth album. Close to the Bone marked a bold shift in direction for these two as they proceeded to forgo the comfort and luxury of electricity and literally unplug their instruments for the duration of the recording session. The results were astonishing and a welcome change of pace, allowing listeners a deeper glimpse into the inner workings of their musical bond and chemistry. Of course they didn't have to go it totally alone, as they were assisted with a little help from some new and old friends including fellow label mates Big Pete, Lynwood Slim, Bob Corritore, Randy Chortkoff, Shawn Pittman, Kirk Fletcher, Fred Kaplan, Willie J. Campbell and Jimi Bott, as well as former Red Devils' guitarist, Paul Size. The album was greeted with reverential praise and even placed #14 on Guitar World's Top 15 Blues and Roots Rock Albums of 2012! Now, following on the heels of the Texas duo's daring unplugged release, Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King return to form with a stripped-down set of tough, electrified roadhouse blues. Road Dog's Life features an arsenal of mostly new and original material, emphasizing King's own wry, insightful lyrics, along with Kubek's searingly incisive, signature guitar, with the exception of only two covers - the Rolling Stones' Play with Fire and the Beatles' Don't Bother Me. Special guests this time out includes the Fabulous Thunderbirds' frontman Kim Wilson, Nightcats' guitarist Kid Andersen, Delta Groove label head Randy Chortkoff, Kansas City bassist Patrick Recob, along with the Mannish Boys' rhythm section, consisting of bassist Willie J. Campbell and drummer Jimi Bott. For Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King the journey to this point has certainly been a long road to travel, but in the words of these hardened road dogs, "we wouldn't have it any other way."   SUGARAY RAYFORD SUGARAY RAYFORD "DANGEROUS" Retail: $17.99 Our Price: $12.99 PRE-SALE: $11.04 (15% off) RELEASE DATE: 09/17/13 "Sugaray Rayford is a revelation as he powerfully moans the blues…" – Blues in Britain Magazine "Not many singers can take us from the delta to the modern chitlin' circuit as easily as he does. A big man with a big voice and plenty of personality…" – Jazz & Blues Report "Whether it's rompin' Chicago blues, Memphis Stax-powered soul, scorching Texas blues or New Orleans-tinged jazz, Sugaray fields whatever's his way with confident versatility." – Colorado Blues Society MUSICIANS Sugaray Rayford: vocals Sugar Ray Norcia: harmonica (1, 3), vocals (4) Kim Wilson: harmonica (8, 11) Big Pete: harmonica (13) Randy Chortkoff: harmonica (6, 10, 12) Kid Andersen: lead guitar (7, 9, 10), rhythm guitar (12) Franck Goldwasser: lead guitar (5, 6, 11, 13), slide guitar (8, 14), National Steel guitar (12), rhythm guitar (2, 9, 10) Gino Matteo: lead guitar (2) Monster Mike Welch: lead guitar (4), tremolo guitar (6), rhythm guitar (1, 3, 8) Anthony Geraci : piano (1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 11) Fred Kaplan: piano (5, 7, 10), organ (2, 13) AND MORE! Produced by Randy Chortkoff and Jeff Scott Fleenor Engineered and mixed by David Z. Texas-born Sugaray Rayford may be a new name to blues and music fans outside of his current Southern California base, but he's got the blues as deep and wide as his commanding, gospel-drenched voice. Starting out, as so many great singers do, performing in the church as a child, he packs a lifetime of hard-won experience and soul into every performance. As he says, "I grew up in gospel and soul." And with every inch of his imposing 6 foot 5 frame, he puts his music across in a physical way that leaves you no choice but to believe every word. After performing in bands that leaned more towards modern sounds for a few years, Sugaray found himself drawn more towards the power of the blues, and led San Diego band Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz to a second place finish at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2006. This turned into a big win for Sugaray though, as it brought him to the attention of Delta Groove Productions head Randy Chortkoff. A few years later when Delta Groove's Mannish Boys were in need of a featured front man to add to the rotating cast of talent, Sugaray was brought in for a few shows. The chemistry was solid and immediate - his powerful and dynamic performances pushed the band to new heights, and the bond was sealed. His work as a featured vocalist under the Mannish Boys umbrella, both live and on their "Double Dynamite" release, made it abundantly clear that he was not only deserving of his own Delta Groove release, but that it was inevitable. So the wheels were put in motion to surround him with the best and most musically compatible blues talent available. "Dangerous" represents a cross section of classic and contemporary, originals and seldom-heard covers, all representing the truth at the core of Sugaray's blues soul. From the Son House classic "Preaching Blues" and post-war gems from Junior Parker, Gatemouth Brown and Pee Wee Crayton, to well-honed originals like Sugaray's own "Stuck for a Buck", "Need a Little More Time" and "I Might Do Somethin' Crazy", it's all killer, no filler. Supporting Sugaray is an all-star cast that includes Franck Goldwasser, Willie J. Campbell, Randy Chortkoff and Jimi Bott from the Mannish Boys, plus special guests Kim Wilson, Monster Mike Welch, Big Pete, Kid Andersen, bass man Bill Stuve, veteran pianists Anthony Geraci and Fred Kaplan, and the only other Sugar Ray available (outside of the boxing ring, anyway), powerhouse vocalist and harp master Sugar Ray Norcia. Of special note is the duet Norcia wrote especially for the occasion, appropriately enough, "Two Times Sugar". So although Sugaray Rayford may be a new name to some, he's definitely no overnight sensation, or this season's 'next big thing' - he's here to stay, right where he belongs. WWW.DELTAGROOVEMUSIC.COM

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	Voting is underway for the 2013 Living Blues Awards. It's that time of year again…time to vote for your favorite Delta Groove artists in the Living Blues Awards!Delta Groove artists have received a total of 6 nominations this year, including The Mannish Boys "Double Dynamite", Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore "Longtime Friends In The Blues", and Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King "Close To The Bone" for Best Blues Album of the Year (New Recordings),Kirk "Eli" Fletcher for Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar), Bob Corritore for Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica), and Elvin Bishop for Best Blues DVD of 2012 for "That's My Thing". Vote online and support your favorite Delta Groove artists. It's quick, simple, and easy to vote. All ballots must be received by July 15, 2013. Best Blues Album of 2012 (New Recordings) TAIL DRAGGER & BOB CORRITORE "LONGTIME FRIENDS IN THE BLUES" "One of the great personalities of Chicago blues is the unstoppable Tail Dragger, whose charisma fills up any room he plays in." - Bob Corritore "One day this boy (Tail Dragger) will take my place." - Howlin' Wolf "…a damn good harmonica player (Bob Corritore) with a lively sense of history." – Downbeat "If Phoenix, Arizona, had a blues mafia, then Bob Corritore just might be its resident godfather." – Living Blues Best Blues Album of 2012 (New Recordings) THE MANNISH BOYS "DOUBLE DYNAMITE" "With personnel ranging from duets up to horn-fired big-band charts, this quintessential backup band takes center stage on their way to deserved recognition as a premier blues group in their own right." – All Music Guide "…an infectious revival of both '40s jump and '50s to '60s Chess-like styles from a band that lives inside the music..." – Wall Street Journal "The Mannish Boys' dedication to preserving the past is matched only by their musical aptitude." – Living Blues Best Blues Album of 2012 (New Recordings) SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK & BNOIS KING "CLOSE TO THE BONE" "King's jazzy guitar work is the perfect foil to Kubek's more incendiary style. They are simply the best guitar tandem on the scene today." - Blues Revue "Potent, undiluted 100-proof Texas blues honed to a razor's edge." – Guitar One "I'm very excited to have them in the Delta Groove family. I'm blown away by their great songwriting and performances - a true Texas duo." – Randy Chortkoff (Founder and President of Delta Groove Music) Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar) KIRK "ELI" FLETCHER "Fletcher favors toothy Strat tones, stinging bends, and flurries of tight, staccato riffs that seem to pop from his fretboard like little firecrackers." - Guitar Player Magazine "Fletcher clearly has ensemble dynamics down, suggesting that his years as a sideman have been fruitful. But he's also unabashed as a bandleader, and his guitar work earns its prominence." - Blues Revue Magazine "Kirk Fletcher is a young man with a big reputation... he exudes class and style, knows all the classic licks but never resorts to mere copying, always with his own take in his trick bag." - Blues & Rhythm Magazine Best Blues DVD (2012) ELVIN BISHOP "THAT'S MY THING" (DVD) "Before Eric Clapton was old enough to shave, Elvin Bishop was hanging out in Chicago with the first generation of electric bluesmen." – Guitar World "Forever a crusader for fun blues and rock 'n' roll, Bishop gives his cherry red 1959 Gibson ES-345 a hug and places emphasis on his terrific slide guitar chops…" – Downbeat "…Bishop's muscular guitar provides the sets pulse, as his soulful slide ripples through R & B classics and rowdy blues alike." – Relix Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica) BOB CORRITORE "An incredible harmonica player." – Hohner Harmonica's Easy Reeding Magazine "Corritore's taste in studio partners is matched by his musical execution." – Living Blues Magazine "…from party-time boogies to melancholy after-hours serenades, Corritore's got the Blues for you." – Omaha Reader "(Bob Corritore's) a damn good harmonica player with a lively sense of history." – Downbeat Magazine TO HEAR AUDIO CLIPS FROM ALL THE NOMINATED ARTISTS VISIT US ONLINE AT: WWW.DELTAGROOVEMUSIC.COM