Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears

Austin, Texas-based singer and guitarist Black Joe Lewis channels vintage blues, soul, and R&B through his contemporary style. Supported by his group the Honeybears, he takes cues from powerhouse vocalists including Howlin' Wolf, Wilson Pickett, and James Brown, alongside the smoother approach of Sam Cooke. His first record appeared on Weary in 2007. That same period saw his performance at Austin's South by Southwest festival draw wider attention from listeners and critics alike. In 2009 Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears issued Tell 'Em What Your Name Is! on Lost Highway under the guidance of Spoon drummer Jim Eno. The ensemble maintained a heavy touring schedule throughout the following year, then returned to Austin's Public Hi-Fi studio alongside Eno to cut the rawer successor Scandalous. Gospel ensemble the Relatives contributed to the track "You Been Lyin'" on that album, which arrived via Lost Highway in March of 2011. Electric Slave surfaced on Vagrant Records in 2013 under the name Black Joe Lewis alone; although he continued collaborating with his band, he had grown weary of the Honeybears designation. Fans and bookers nonetheless interpreted the missing credit as evidence of a solo project. Following a period of reduced activity, Lewis reinstated the Honeybears name for 2017's Backlash, his debut release on INgrooves Music Group, where he pursued tougher rhythms and a more pronounced rock & roll edge.