Customer Reviews

Served Up Texas Style: The Best of

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're new to the music of the Smokin' Joe Kubek Band, this is a great place to start...but don't end here!

Basically, this is a compilation of the band's earlier albums released on the Bullseye Blues/Rounder Records label, along with a couple of previously unreleased tracks, "Big Legs" and "I'm In An Awful Mood," which are from the Texas Cadillac sessions.

Personal favorites of mine on this disc:

"TV Light," which shows a nice personal side of Bnois King, discussing what's really important in life.

"Damn Traffic," a gritty rocker we can all relate to!

"Texas Cadillac," which, along with the later release "My Heart's in Texas" have become signature songs, played again and again at concerts.

"Got My Mind Back" Joe doesn't play this live so much, anymore, but I always request it when I see them. It starts with got a wicked bit of slide and cool drums, and is always a crowd pleaser!

"Corn Palace" This funky-slinky instrumental, along with "All The Love There Is" and "Spanish Trace" (not included on this collection) show a musical knowledge that extends well beyond the blues.

It's a great sampling of the early music. If you like this, you'll certainly want to move on and get the more recent Blind Pig releases like "Roadhouse Research" and "Show Me The Money," which are solid, well-produced, and very listenable from start to finish.

And...make sure you go see the band live. The current lineup of Joe Kubek (smokin' Texas Strats), Bnois King (smooth vocals and jazzy Gibson rhythm/lead), Paul Jenkins (beat-perfect bass), and Dave K. (drums served with a smile) is probably the best ever. They will likely talk to you between sets, and would be happy to sign your CD!

Having seen Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King live just three days ago I can tell you that they are modern-day masters of the blues. Although Texas-based their sound extends to Chicago and New Orleans as well. Additionally, Smokin' Joe's slide guitar work is outstanding and gives the modern-day listener a sense of what Elmore James likely sounded like live.

Like so many contemporary blues artists Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King have never received the critical acclaim and popularity that their outstanding music deserves. Catch them live if you can and absolutely get hold of all their CD's!

The Hot Doc

mbrviper@aol.com

I like Smokin' Joe and Benois King, because they are still true to the original Texas Blues that catapulted SRV and many greats to the top of contemporary blues artists. This compilation is right on the money with lots of "tasty" treats to enjoy.

Smokin' Joe Kubek has had many a Cd over the last 15 years, but this one truely hits the high spots. The material is consistently good and there are a few bonus cuts also. This provides a great way to be served Texas Style!

The only problem with this CD is that it leaves out the 80 plus songs of Smokin' Joe's that are so darn good they deserve to on his "best" CD!!!! The point being, Smokin' Joe is consistently excellent and I believe I have every one of his releases. If you like sloowwww burning blues guitar served up Texas style; then Smokin' Joe is for you. If you're new to Smokin' Joe; this CD serves as an excellent introduction but move onto Texas Cadillac and some of his earlier CDs if you desire raw, passionate Texas blues. Joe ain't no Robert Cray or slick-like some of the newer "contemporary blues" artists; instead this is blue collar music from the gut. Played with passion the way blues was meant to be played. Buy this CD! And go see Smokin' Joe if he's performing in your area!!!

a great cd, blues served up texas style! fill up your plate with bar-b-que, fill the cooler full of ice and cold ones, crank up smokin' joe, and you have yourself a party!