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The B.B. King All-Stars, led by guitarist Gary King (center), the house band of B.B. King's Blues Club in CityPlace. (Brandon Kruse / The Post)
More: B.B. King’s at CityPlace more than the sum of its parts
Blues fans who come to B.B. King’s at CityPlace expecting the legend himself may be in for a disappointment. The blues great is expected to make only a visit or two each year.
But a king of another sort is regularly on stage. Literally.
Meet Gary King, the South Florida music mainstay who now heads the house band at the club. And who put together the nine-piece band that rocks the crowd most night with a Southern-flavored mix of blues, rhythm and blues, rock, pop and more.
“The concept is to preserve soul music, that whole Memphis thing,” says Gary King.
If the guitarist/vocalist’s name is familiar, it’s probably because you’ve heard Gary King and the Dream — his previous band — at clubs throughout Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties over the years. You’ve also heard Gary King and the Dream at SunFest: The group was a popular presence at the downtown West Palm Beach event throughout the ’90s.
But Gary King, who’s originally from Fort Lauderdale and came of musical age playing with the likes of Gloria Estefan and KC and the Sunshine Band, took a circuitous path to the West Palm Beach B.B. King’s. He actually left South Florida to work at the Nashville B.B. King’s — (the chain also has locations in Memphis, Orlando and Las Vegas) — before getting the opportunity to come back home.
Each venue emphasizes a similar mix of music, but each also puts its own stamp on the play-list. In West Palm Beach, Gary King thought it was important to give a Latin lilt to some of the songs, so he brought in Ignacio Nunez, a veteran Miami percussionist who’s played with Ricky Martin.
But the heart of all the B.B. King house bands is a trio of brass and wind players, who not only add sheer volume to the mix, but who can also move and groove in sync with the songs — just like the bands of yesteryear. In West Palm Beach, that group includes gospel-influenced trombonist Wayne Perry, jazz-trained trumpeter Seth Merlin and saxophonist (and current University of Miami grad student) Anthony Church.
And what would a band be without a female vocalist? Joining Gary King and company is Lauren Carter, a Port St. Lucie resident with a very strong set of chops. Hear her version of The Beatles’ “Come Together” and you’ll understand.
Add a few other musicians, including longtime Gary King keyboardist George Tandy, and you have a band that holds its own each and every night. And with a full-sized stage on which to play, the musicians seem to understand this is a rare opportunity in the club world.
“This isn’t a club,” asserts Gary King. “It’s a concert venue that happens to serve food and liquor.”
The night I was there was more of a southern pop/R&B night than actual blues music. I was hoping to hear more traditional blues from the house band. But they definitely can play very well together.
More Muddy, Buddy, Albert King, and the likes please.
Hey Freakerdude…like it says in the article – this is an Soul group… for the blues you need to catch the opening acts or the touring artists…
We have spent the most enjoyable evenings listening to the AllStars. Best music in Palm Beach County. Where else do you find a nine piece group with their talents.
We have organized groups of friends to attend and the response has always been the same “lets do again”. Please keep them around!!
to the trombonist thank you for me to play on stage in nashillve 8/7/2010 in bb king resturant with your trombone it was an horror if you want to talk anytime just email ultimatex455@aim.com
sorry i ment honor*
man i am there every week end i am the 60 yrs old groupey, it is very un real to see this much talent in one room in a rest. bar. they are the best , we are so luckey to have them here in our town,,,
About the finest blues band in the area, and Wayne can play some trombone. Great place to relax and enjoy some real good music. Thx Gary
This band does great blues before 8pm, and awesome R&B Old School that is better than most in the country. Gary King and his group are top notch. I fly my clients in from around the world to hear them.
Gary King is truly one of the greatest artist I have ever experienced (Mangos – Ft. Lauderdale). God Bless you Gary, keep the Dream Alive. Gabriela
Had my first visit to BB Kings, WPB this past Friday 12/17/10. Wow!!! What a band. I’ve known Gary King for years but I think this is his top band ever. Keep doing your thing all stars.
I was recently in Florida, and friends brought me to BB King’s. That evening was one of the highlights of my vacation!! WHAT A BAND!!!
My question! Do they have a CD out?!?
Thanks, Maria :>)
This is the “Best Live Band You Will Ever Hear”. As a musician, and one who has played with Gary King, it don’t get no better than this. My friend Walter Orange of the Commodores and writer of “Brickhouse” came back again, and said the same thing.
these are truly “All Stars”
We are from Brazil and had a great night in last april. Gary King and band are fantastic. The best night of our vacation
Moved to the area January 2011. On my 1st visit Gary King & All Stars grabbed on to my heart with their Soulful Songs & Unforgettable music with emotion! This is only place Ive heard a little of all venues in one stop! Our group with my now grown kids & new friends, have been obliged to join me at PB City Place BB Kings ~when I feel the need to hear tunes from a group who make it worthwhile! Fun for all ages from 21-81! Was there for my Happy B-day 1st of July, with Reservations to Dine. Best BBQ Ribs & Talent under one roof that will definitely make a memory for you! I promise ;-) Only wish they could crank the A/C down low enough to cool off the heat they seem to stir-up every time I’m there ~ Wonderful Tunes & dancing seem to set the place on fire! Keep it up Gary & Gang~ y’all are part of what this lil ole Texan not want to look back ~ or be homesick at all. Want to stay here & Rock with U!