BLACK JOE LEWIS & THE HONEYBEARS: On the Horizon

Austin-based musician Black Joe Lewis’ Lost Highway debut,
Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! has just been released, and
already he seems somewhat reticent to discuss it and himself.
Perhaps the singer-songwriter and guitarist is trying to quiet
the buzz that’s already emerged around his old school,
Memphis-driven garage soul vocals, horn- fueled attack, and
energized, head-turning appearances at Lollapalooza, South by
Southwest, Austin City Limits Festival and CMJ.

Lewis’ retro style is the male answer to Sharon Jones and the
Dap-Kings’ similar get-down r&b approach, but Lewis’ love of
such deep Southern blues masters as Junior Kimbrough and Lightnin’
Hopkins provides an even more dangerous slant. Add a gospel-inspired
call and response, crisp, soul-soaked staccato brass, and song
titles such as “Big Booty Woman” and “Master Sold My Baby” that won’t
win him guest slots on any upcoming Oprah shows. The resulting
sweat-soaked sound is edgy enough though to win over predominantly
youthful white audiences unfamiliar with the likes of Lewis’ show
stopping predecessors such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave or Wilson
Pickett.

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