Search - Smokin Joe Kubek, Bnois King :: Take Your Best Shot

Texas guitar flash Kubek shines on latest CD

jimcat@aol.com, Jim Catalano | Ithaca, N.Y. | 08/31/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Long one of the hottest acts on the blues circuit-as much for Bnois King's soulful vocals as Joe Kubek's blazing guitar-this Texas band keeps getting better with every album. The band's latest CD, "Take Your Best Shot" (its sixth for Bullseye Blues and Jazz), again spotlights the twin-guitar attack of Kubek and King, but they sound even wilder than usual this time. That's probably because of the production of Jim Gaines, who helmed Stevie Ray Vaughan's "In Step" and Luther Allison's three final albums. Standout tracks include the funky "Roll of the Dice," the sultry shuffle "You Said `I Love You' First" (featuring Little Milton on guitar), and the hard-rocking title track. Jimmy Thackery sits in on the intense "Worst Heartache." One oddball but fun track is "Spanish Trance," which showcases Kubek's psychedelic guitar textures. This a must-have for blues guitar fans."