Smokin' Joe Kubek: Bite Me! (Bullseye)
Billed as the ultimate post-modern Texas blues duo, guitarist Smokin' Joe and his singer sidekick Bnois King, kick up a fair cloud of dust with this blistering collection of blues-based rockers. Dallas-based Kubek is in the Stevie Ray Vaughan tradition - gritty blues licks played with flair and confidence. King's vocals are equally hard-edged and together their music packs real punch as on the opening If You Know What I'm Sayin', the title track, or Lay It On Me Leona. It's not high on subtlety, and it can become a little overbearing, but Smokin' Joe certainly does know how to light a fire.
- Joe Breen