Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King, The .44s

Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King, one of the most talented guitar tandems in any genre, have signed a recording agreement with Blind Pig Records. The pact marks a reunion between the veteran music duo and the label, which issued the group's CD entitled Roadhouse Research in 2003 and released Show Me The Money the following year. In 2006, Blind Pig released a live full length concert DVD and a CD titled My Heart's In Texas that was recorded in Fort Worth on New Year's Eve.


The 44's are a Los Angeles-based band who play blues-roots-rock music. The 44's are one the brightest rising stars on the American blues roots scene. Make no mistake about it. The raw rough and tough sounds generated by these four expert musicians during live performances and in the making of their Sophomore album Americana, on the Rip Cat label, demands to be heard by Blues music fans World Wide. They evidence a genuine gift for creating blues in the moment while at the same time showing loyalty to a remarkable blues-and-r&b tradition that goes back decades through the James Harman Band and the Red Devils to storied greats like Howlin' Wolf, Albert Collins, and Muddy Waters. They've become a favorite band of club and festival crowds across North America.

The 44's seem to be literally exploding across the Blues scene as a fully formed and functional unit commanding audiences with their in your face, yet highly contagious musical sound. Their first Release "Boogie Disease", Was self produced for $800 with the Help of Guitar Great Kid Ramos (The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Mannish Boys) and was quickly snatched up and issued on Rip Cat Records, hitting a peak position of No. 12 on the national Living Blues radio charts and No.2 on BB King Bluesville Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. Critical praise and industry recognition from the blues community soon followed. American Blues News Awarded the Band with The Best Blues Band of 2011 and Blues Underground Network Awarded the Band with Best Debut Album.

They play vintage instruments and channel a blues style of winning quartet. Each band member is in fine form. Johnny Main grounds his outstanding singing and guitar playing in real experience--his talent's as honest as the day is long. Mike Hightower on bass; the latest addition, brings his years of experience with Johnny Mastro and Mama’s Boys and the Lester Butler and 13 to hold down the bottom end with some greasy glue. Drummer J. R. Lozano, behind his Vintage Ludwig Kit, is as solid as any you'll hear, calibrating rhythmic flow with alertness and intelligence. The latest addition, Jacob Huffman, harmonica, adds excitement and energy in the west coast style that he learned from his mentor Rod Piazza. For their one-of-a-kind blues, The 44's successfully mine the tension.

Kid Ramos say's of his experience with The 44's "They play like their life depends on it and you can quote me" American Blues News Says "One of the Hardest working, hardest playing blues outfits anywhere."

Touring Non-stop since 2010, they've garnered a whole new generation of first-time young blues- roots fans, as well as older ones who recognize the talents of these four musicians. The 44's are at the top of their game and with the much anticipated Sophomore Release "Americana" on Rip Cat Records. They have brought together a top notch cast of characters. Kid Ramos joins the band in the producer's chair and Guest Guitar Appearances. The Mixing Chair is being filled by the Legendary David Z (Credits Include Buddy Guy, Etta James, John Mayall).