Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King - Fat Man's Shine Parlor (2015)

As a young musician in Dallas, Smokin' Joe Kubek would venture in the wee hours to a declining, somewhat unsavory neighborhood in search of fried chicken. A commercial district for African-Americans, the area had been a hotbed for jazz and blues musicians from the 1920s through the '50s where you could also find gun and locksmith shops, tattoo studios, pawnshops, and pool halls. Joe was fascinated by one remaining establishment called "Fat Man's Shine Parlor." Ostensibly a place to get your shoes shined, it was also a place for other activities such as gambling, drinking, and womanizing. Joe sees this CD in a similar light – crack open the door, and inside you'll find more than advertised. Only in this case, the pleasures will be musical.