KING-Bluebird Theater Review 4/25

Jenn Cohen | April 27, 2013 | 0 Comments

by Jenn Cohen

Thursday night, the Bluebird Theater played host to a new (ish) talent in town. With numerous years of experience behind him as the guitarist for the Fray, Joe King has spread his wings and landed center stage as KING. Opening for KING was Nathaniel Rateliff, a beloved Denver local, whose fancy toe tapping and rapid leg moves amped up the crowded theater.

After a flattering introduction from Denver’s own Governor Hickenlooper, King opened his set with “Just in Case Man,” from his recently released debut album, Breaking, (available now on iTunes).

King quickly settled into the role of a formidable front man, and it was hard to imagine that he had not taken that role more frequently. Crooning through the album, King had many guests join him: Shawn King (DeVotchKa), Patrick Meese (Meese), and an appearance by Serafin Sanchez on sax (formerly with Bop Skizzum), for a cover of Hall & Oates, “I Can’t go for That.” King’s daughter also made an appearance, playing an endearing solo on the piano.

Demonstrating his aptitude for being multi-talented, King played an array of instruments throughout his set, including guitar, keys, omnichord, and drums. If you missed the Denver show, KING will be at the Fox Theater in Boulder tomorrow, June 28.

Far removed from the usual fanfare that he is used to, King seemed genuinely happy playing at an intimate venue for his fans, and my guess is King will easily transcend from the Fray’s cute guitar player, to successful solo artist.