The Smokin Mojo Kings are based out of Southeast Iowa and West Central Illinois. The line-up consists of Dennis Albee guitar, vocals John Wentzien bass, vocals Jim French harmonica, vocals and Eric Bartholomew drums.
The Smokin Mojo Kings’ up-tempo blues are tempered with a New Orleans funk, which is not surprising as both John and Dennis plied their musical craft down South for several years. Notably John, has played with such luminaries as; J.D. Hill, and Pat Ramsey. Dennis has been a full time musician since his early teens, when he won a battle of the bands and a recording contract in a contest sponsored by Chicago’s premier radio station, WLS. Eric is a veteran of U.S.O. tours that have entertained our troops around the world as well as backing many top professionals on a cruise line. Jim has been playing harmonica and performing with area bands for thirty years.
The Smokin Mojo Kings have been busy writing and recording their second c.d., which like their first c.d. features all original compositions. Their music has been featured on; The Texas Blues Café, WLSO F.M., Blues train F.M., Flying Coyote Radio, The Blues Room (nz radio), Kansas City Online Radio, Fat Cat Radio, as well as Blues Into The Night and Mark Kerr’s Blues Nation Radio.
The Smokin Mojo Kings performances are hallmarked with an energetic “let it all hang out” approach that always guarantees a good time.