Guy King

Guy King’s Debut CD as band leader “LIVIN ‘IT” is receiving great reviews from critics and radio stations around the world, as well as being featured in Bill Wax’s “click to pick” on XM Radio’s BB King’s Bluesville, and hitting #3 on the Roots Blues Chart.

Here is what some of the critics are saying:

Blues in Britain (UK) -Gordon Baxter:                       “It is clear from the off that King is a class act. He has a really good voice, and his guitar playing is exemplary.

"Livin' It" is a fine album that should deservedly help to bring Guy King's name to a wider audience. King is a multi-talented soul, and rates highly on all of them: guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and arranger. Wherever Willie Kent may be, he must be smiling down on King at the moment.”

Living Blues (US) -David Whiteis.                                                           “Livin’ It” shows admirable variety-everything from well-roasted chestnuts (Worried Life Blues) through modern standards (If You love Me Like You Say) to King originals are on display, and the band charges through it all with dedication and aplomb. Stylistically diverse yet solidly rooted in the hard-driving Chicago tradition that his late mentor exemplified so well, King’s debut CD sounds as if it could mark the beginning of a significant contemporary blues recording career.”

Blues & Rhythm (UK) – Phil Whit.

“‘Livin’ It’ is definitely one of the finest debut albums that has come my way in a long time, Guy King and his band are tighter than two coats of paint, somebody get this guy over here pronto!”

Blues Bytes (US) – Graham Clarke.

“If you’re familiar with Kent’s later work on disc, you’ll recognize King’s stinging lead guitar.  Vocally, he has a smooth, pleasing style that is perfect for the material. “Livin’ It” is a well-crafted debut release from an artist who promises to become a major player on the Chicago blues scene.  Guy King seems to have all the tools in place for an outstanding career.”

Chicago Reader (US) –                                                          “Guitarist and singer Guy King was a linchpin of the last working band led by late bassist Willie Kent, where he played mostly shuffle-driven postwar Chicago blues. Now fronting his own group, King still excels at that deceptively basic-sounding style, but he’s also expanded his palette considerably: his debut CD, Livin’ It (IBF), includes jazz-inflected west-coast smooth-blues standards by the likes of Percy Mayfield and T-Bone Walker, fatback-flavored contemporary classics, and (most promisingly) original songs that cover a fair range of styles. The moody, slow-swaying “Alone in the City” is colored by rich horns that lend it a whiff of Basie, and on the strutting, street-tough “The Story” King’s somewhat reedy vocals are at their richest and most expressive—he’s clearly absorbed a lot of his phrasing and intonation from Mayfield. And throughout the record his guitar leads alternate between searing juke-joint eruptions and laser-targeted, whip-smart funk, his improvisations walking the fine line between passion and precision.”

Vintage Guitar Magazine (US) – John Heidt.

“Though young, Guy King has had a long, heralded career in blues. He served as Willie Kent’s lead guitarist for some time, and the confidence and taste displayed on “Livin’ It” prove he is comfortable in his own skin. This record reflects King’s interest in a variety of blues styles and allows he and his band to explore them all. He’s more than comfortable in the classic Chicago style, as is obvious on the title cut and several others. He also shows an “uptown” side, with a number of songs containing jazzy changes and turnarounds. His take on the T-Bone Walker classic “I’m Still In Love With You” is perfect. It’s jazzy and soulful with a vocal by Guy to match. His punchy solo features the same soul and feel. Same can be said for the boogie of “I Got A Break” and the slow blues “Alone In The City”. The solo in the latter, with its great bends, give a tip of the hat again to Walker. King’s taste and flair especially shine on cuts like “Go Out And Get It”, an original with a laid-back feel and jazzy changes that complement his fine vocals and tasty soloing. King’s sound is pure Fender – a biting Tele feel that digs in without hurting. If this record is any indication, King will be a staple on the Chicago blues scene for a while.”

Chicago Blues Guide (US) – Linda Cain.

“Guy King is a very tasteful and skilled producer, arranger, guitarist, singer, songwriter and bandleader who likes to lay back and be cool; he knows how to make the music flow. On Livin’ It, Guy is the King of Smooth. But just to let you know he can cut loose, too, G.K. kicks off the CD with a tribute to his late mentor. Willie Kent’s instrumental “Countdown,” with its driving drums and mighty horn section powering the interplay between guitar and keyboard… As a bandleader, arranger and producer, G.K. knows just the right amount of ingredients to blend into each musical recipe. The horn section can go from Memphis soul to Texas swing, the female backup singers give us a touch of the Rae-lettes, while the rhythm section simmers and grooves. As a tunesmith, he is a top-notch writer with something to say and a positive message to send out… He is a refreshing younger talent who seems to be full of surprises.”

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