The Kingmixers - Riding With Mr. Blues (2012)

It's been four years since Preston and Bonkowski's last CD release, but they are back with a musical vengeance. Joined by guitarist, David Schade, they are proud to release their new CD, "Riding With Mr. Blues". Gary Preston, Anita Bonkowski and David Schade bring a wonderfully diverse collection of bluesy songs to the plate in this recording. Here you'll find soulful Chicago-style blues, gospel, swingin' jump blues, and New Orleans style rhumbas, all featuring the searing harmonica, rock-solid rhythms, and sweet jazz/blues guitar of the West Coast's musical treasure, The KingmiXers.
The natural ease with which the trio performs is a true testament to their musicality. Through it all, Gary's fiery harmonica playing and soulful vocals are capped off by the tasty guitar stylings and vocals of David, all the while supported by the deep, rhythmic grooves provided by Anita on both bass and drums (and even piano). Those who have heard advance copies are already singing their praises and calling it the musicians' best CD yet. Among the 13 tunes on the CD, 12 are originals, many of which have received wide recognition on Preston and Bonkowski's fifth European tour this past June.
Preston and Bonkowski formed in 2005, releasing their first CD, "Satisfy Somebody" in 2006, followed by Bright Lights" in 2008. Since their formation, they have received airplay world wide, completed five Western European tours, and continue to perform both locally and around the Pacific Northwest. Their charismatic stage presence has captured the attention of both critics and fans, resulting in invitations to perform in numerous festivals, including the Calgary International Blues Festival, the Vancouver Island MusicFest, the Islands Folk Festival and the Du Maurier International Jazzfest. This summer they ar just back from Belgium, and will be on the festival circuit again.