If you want to hear blues in the Electric Chicago tradition, then seek out The Cash Box Kings.
“This album will be essential listening for any blues fan.” ~ Bruce Iglauer, Alligator Records Founder
Alligator Recording artists and Chicago-blues masters The Cash Box Kings are known around the globe for their dedication to creating rich, timeless blues. They are a primo blues ensemble co-led by blues harp maestro Joe Nosek and versatile vocalist Oscar “Mr. 43rd Street” Wilson that continually roll out music that makes you feel good as gold. The two co-leaders are constantly accompanied by the Windy City’s best; the cream of the crop.
The group, founded in Madison, Wisconsin in 2001 by “Low Rollin’ Joe” Nosek, serves up Windy City blues sounds, filled with total ensemble playing on great tunes with always intelligent and interesting lyrics. It’s “feel-good music “
“The Cash Box Kings are a throwback to the golden age of blues with some kickin’ fresh young blood. Joe is my best friend in the music world: the band is a marriage made in heaven for both of us.” ~ Oscar Wilson
“Oscar Wilson stands as a dominant figure. He brings a magisterial presence.” ~ The Chicago Tribune
The Cash Box Kings have won widespread acclaim throughout the blues world. The vocals by Wilson are hard to beat, and Nosek provides fine harmony and an occasional lead vocal. The group brings a contemporary authority and old-school authenticity to the plate to please their legion of fans.
The Cash Box Kings have released an advance single for their upcoming March 17th Alligator Records album, Oscar’s Motel. In addition to Nosek and Wilson the stalwart band features in-demand guitarist Billy Flynn (Legendary Blues Band), award-winning drummer Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, bassist John W. Lauler, and keyboardist “Queen” Lee Kanehira.
The new single is representative of the utmost quality that fans expect from the group. The song begins with Nosek’s harp wailing, then Wilson joins in with his soul-blues vocal invitation… ‘Oh, if you feel down and out, oh come to Oscar’s Motel.’ Wilson proceeds to bid the ladies a warm welcome, that is, once they leave their man behind. He promises he’s gonna treat ’em right. His Wolf howl (ahh ooooo) is a mating call both primal and masculine. All the ladies’ needs will be provided for with a juke joint bar, a band playin’ the blues, and a man outside smoking the chicken on the barbeque. It’s a party song done up right.
If you want to hear blues in the Electric Chicago tradition, then seek out the Cash Box Kings.
Oscar’s Motel (lyric video) https://youtu.be/z-ImuaKraR0
Artist website https://www.cashboxkings.com/
Photo credit: © Howard Greenblatt