The Three Kings

The Jeff Golub Band (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 28, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Entertainment One Music
• ASIN: B004Y03N6A
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,453 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Jeff Golub, June 28, 2011

By 

Stanley - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Three Kings (Audio CD)

Finally, Jeff Golub gets to show his true colors! Golub has made some really fine smooth jazz records over the years, but anyone who's ever seen him live knows his true roots are firmly planted in the blues. This collaboration with pianist/vocalist Henry Butler is an amazing display of Golub's real chops and Butler's New Orleans rooted piano work. Golub's last album, Blues For You, took a step in this direction, but The Three Kings takes us all the way. This is the real deal, don't miss it!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Stellar Effort !, June 28, 2011

By 

stephen watkins (denver, co United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Three Kings (Audio CD)

It is great to hear more of Jeff Golub's Blues - oriented songs ( starting with his previous release , 'Blues For You ') , and amazing guitar playing ! This is music for lovers of edgy , soulful , melodic Blues -based Rock ( w / some hints of Jazz ). Henry Butler's vocals , coupled with Golub's playing make for an amazing tribute to Albert , Freddie, & B.B. ( 'The Three Kings' ) !! Robben Ford , and Sonny Landreth also contribute smokin' guitar , along with some hot horn arrangements / playing from JG's longtime bandmates . These guys sound like a well- travelled band , one that is tight -and 'in the pocket'. Jeff Golub would fit right in with 'The Warren Haynes Band ,' and 'Tedeschi -Trucks '. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!

4.0 out of 5 stars Golub gives up Smooth Jazz, adds Henry Butler and rocks. (but some vocals are weak), August 31, 2011

By 

Steven I. Ramm "Steve Ramm "Anything Phon... (Phila, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Three Kings (Audio CD)

I only knew guitarist from his "smooth jazz" albums and - not being a big fan of SJ - I was ready to pass on this release. But I saw Henry Butler's name as "guest" so I thought I'd give it a shot. I put the CD - a tribute to the three best known blues guitarists who share the last name King - and the first track "Let The Good Times Roll" began. There was a guitar that I though was B.B.'s - but was, in fact, Golub doing a great job - and Butler's raw vocals. I thought I was in for a great ride. Unlike all the other reviews I see posted here - except for the one from the person who liked Golub's smooth jazz material and hadn't realized Golub changed his music style to electric blues - I found that the ride was a bit bumpier than I wanted.

Golub's guitar licks are right on this collection, which includes the big hits by each of the "kings" plus two new comps by Golub and the title track by Butler. And Butler's piano work and vocals (on five of the 13 tracks) are great! It's when the younger band members take on the vocals that the album drops a notch (and a star). Drummer Josh Dion is fine on the skins but IMHO was not a good choice to sing the three numbers he gets to do vocals on. (These should have been given to Butler, who has the age and roughness to his voice.)

An interesting track is the final one. B.B. King's anthem "The Thrill is Gone". It's done solely as an instrumental with not a vocal in sight. It work's. It's just a bit "different".

There are guest instrumentals by Sonny Landreth and Robben Ford on one track each, though they didn't add much for me.

So, I like this CD; I just don't "love" it. It'll be interesting to see what Golub does on his next album, now that he's covered the biggest guitar blues legends. Knowing he's left "smooth jazz" I'll probably seek out that one too.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"