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Cash Box Kings

The Cash Box Kings are bona fide blues royalty. Co-led by real-deal Chicago blues vocalist and songwriter Oscar Wilson and Madison, Wisconsin-based songwriter, harmonica giant and singer Joe Nosek, the band plays masterfully raw and unvarnished houserocking blues. Wilson’s huge, gritty vocals and Nosek’s powerhouse harmonica fuel their razor-sharp original songs. With their top shelf musicianship and trademark good humor, The Cash Box Kings are a one-of-a-kind blues band. In the words of MOJO magazine, the band is “flawless.”

Mixing tough Chicago and Delta blues, jumping proto-rock ‘n’ roll, and steamrolling “bluesabilly” (their original mix of Chicago blues and Memphis rockabilly), they attack every song they play with contemporary authority and old school authenticity. The extraordinary ensemble playing between Nosek, Wilson, guitarist Billy Flynn, bassist John W. Lauler, drummer Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith and their friend, pianist Queen Lee Kenehira, is a true force of nature. The musicians feed off of each other’s ideas and energy, effortlessly moving from a lowdown purr to a full throttle roar. According to No Depression, “The Cash Box Kings are a royal hive of raucous houserockers. Whether resurrecting the past or living in the moment, they satisfy your craving for hardcore Chicago blues, served up hot and tasty.”

After the tremendous critical and popular response to The Cash Box Kings’ 2017 Alligator Records debut, Royal Mint, the band returns with Hail To The Kings!, their tenth career release. Recorded in Chicago and produced by Nosek, the album features 13 songs, including 11 originals written or co-written by Nosek and Wilson. According to Nosek, one of the secret weapons of Hail To The Kings! is Wilson’s growth as a songwriter. “He’s always brought great originality to the material,” says Nosek, “but now he’s bursting with songs and ideas.” Another weapon is the masterful guitar work of Flynn, who delivers one blistering performance after another. Nosek says, “His guitar playing is a master class on old school blues.”

From the hard Chicago sound of Smoked Jowl Blues to the sly humor of Joe, You Ain’t From Chicago to the up-to-the-minute text of The Wrong Number to the streetwise Take Anything I Can, the album burns hot from start to finish. Special guest Shemekia Copeland turns the heat up as she joins her friend Oscar Wilson for the mischievous duet, The Wine Talkin’. On Bluesman Next Door and Jon Burge Blues, Nosek and Wilson bring socially conscious truth to power, shining a light into some of society’s darkest corners. “Blues music is used to transform and to find relief,” notes Nosek. “Our songs are all about real life topics that matter—good times, tough times and some bad situations. We’ll raise our voices when we have to, and we’ll have a good time doing it.”

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Live Review

The Cash Box Kings at Dazzle

Read "The Cash Box Kings at Dazzle" reviewed by Geoff Anderson


The Cash Box Kings Dazzle Denver, CO August 26, 2022 Most every description of blues band the Cash Box Kings calls them “the real deal." And it's true, they are. However, as your loyal scrivener, I know that you've come to expect more than the parroting of cliches in these little exposes. Of course, the reason “the real deal" is used so often is because it's succinct and to the point. And it rhymes! Rhyming, ...

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“One of the best blues bands in the land.” – Living Blues

“Virtuoso musicianship…rocking and irresistible.” –No Depression

“Gloriously retro with an inspiring eloquence and grace.” –Vintage Guitar

"Fearless, full-tilt Chicago blues...fervent vocals and soaring harmonica" –Chicago Tribune

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