Description
On this their 2nd release for esteemed blues label ALLIGATOR RECORDS, they offer a lucky baker’s dozen: two tasty covers (“I’m the Man Down There,” “Sugar Daddy”) and eleven outstanding originals. This CD combines the best aspects of classic blues with contemporary themes, including political ones, on songs such as “Bluesman Next Door” and “Jon Burge Blues.”
Described by Living Blues Magazine as “one of the best blues bands in the land,” the hard-charging Cash Box Kings carry forward the glorious Chicago blues tradition of the whole band’s interplay creating intense, raw music. It’s a constant conversation, sometimes led by tough, real-deal South Side vocalist Oscar Wilson, sometimes by harmonica ace Joe Nosek, and sometimes by master guitarist Billy Flynn, but with all the members of the ensemble chiming in. Bass and drum accents are provided by John W. Lauler and the famed Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith. It’s all in the spirit of the great 1950s and ‘60s bands of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.
Joining the Kings are Queen Lee Kanehira on piano, electric piano, and organ, Little Frank Krakowski on rhythm guitar, Xavier Lynn on lead guitar, Derek Hendrickson on drums, Shemekia Copeland on duet vocals for track two, and Alex Hall on percussion.
