THE KING BEES are used to rockin' their blues in some great settings - Rome, New York City, Paris, Amsterdam. Their deep love of the genre, their keen musical sensibilities, and their pure pleasure in performing translate into any language.Founded in 1987 by guitarist/organist HOUND DOG BASKERVILLE and singer/song-writer/bassist, PENNY "QUEEN BEE" ZAMAGNI, THE KING BEES cut their teeth traveling to Mississippi & the deep-South to learn first hand form the real-deal blues folk. They honed their skills sitting in with and backing up many blues titans - Bo Diddley, Tinsley Ellis, Billy Branch, Mojo Buford, Big Jack Johnson, Sam Carr, Frank Frost, Lazy Lester, Ronnie Earl - these are only a few who've invited The 'Bees to share the stage.But what has most refined and sharpened their cut-to-the-bone talent are the years spent on the road with some of the most legendary of blues greats, such as CAREY BELL, NAPPY BROWN, JERRY MCCAIN, CHICK WILLIS, CHICAGO BOB NELSON and others.But don't think The King Bees are merely a superior back-up band. Having learned at the feet of the greats throughout the deep-South has amply prepared them to forge a smoldering, rocking, soul-stirring sound that's all their own. Over the many, many miles logged in the States, and in numerous European tours, they've proven that they can raise the roof at prestigious concert halls, such as Lincoln Center NYC, shake the stage at European festivals, and bring the crowd to their knees in a juke-joint way down South. They were a great hit on B.B. KING'S 80TH BIRTHDAY TOUR .Their CDs on TRAMP RECORDS featuring QUEEN BEE ZAMAGNI'S originals have garnered international raves....THE KING BEES also produce several world-class BLUES FESTIVALS in the High Country, including THE NEW RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL in Jefferson, NC as well as WINTERFEST BLUES & SUMMERFEST BLUES. in Blowing Rock, NC. Zamagni and Baskerville have brought top of the line performers to these events including ETTA BAKER, LITTLE PINK ANDERSON, NAPPY BROWN, ROY ROBERTS, SANDRA HALL, JERRY MCCAIN and many others.
Kenneth Johnson, The Charlotte Observer:
"The band is led by the sassy Penny Zamagni on bass and vocals; she can belt it out with the best of them. She's backed by a superb band highlighted by the burning riffing of guitarist Rob Baskerville."
J. James, Greenline: "Blues purists with impeccable taste and chops to match.".....
Loafer, Johnson City, TN:"Stinging! Top of the line blues...Baskerville blisters the fretboard...his guitar work raises the roof and shakes the foundation."
"Excellent...Queen Bee Zamagni has a strong, swinging, slinky voice used to good effect on every number. Fine straight blues all the way..Tasty!" BLUES & RHYTHM, ENGLAND OUT AND ABOUT, Asheville, NC: "Zamagni is a first class blues singer, one of the best I've heard...She is a singing/ song writing/playing componant any blues band would kill to have on board.""The King Bees have delighted audiences for years. Queen Bee's vocals are expressive and strong; Baskerville's guitar playing is right on, from cool slide to sizzling licks." BLUE SUEDE NEWS"The King Bees strut their stuff through burning originals..." BLUES ACCESS "An acclaimed American Blues outfit..."
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