King King Trio pours out soulful, danceable, blues, honky tonk, and blues-infused rockabilly roots music; honest and genuine; replete with equal parts soul, heart, and vigor.
King King derived our name and a number of our tunes from one of our strongest musical influences, The Red Devils…if you like what you hear here check out their album King King, it’s been an indelible inspiration for the live sound. The Paladins and Dave Gonzalez in general have also been studied and copped copiously from - you play what you feel. Raw, gut-check versions of these artist’s tunes as well as some classic Sun Records cats like Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins mixed with a variety pack of original tunes, mostly penned by Cole Wheeler, combine to make for an exciting and raucous ruckus of a live music experience.
We are dangerously close to completing our first album, recorded live, the tracks on this page are works in progress from this effort, don’t hesitate to tell us what you think.
Here’s a little about each of us:
Dr. Wheeler (Cole) – Cole is a man of many talents, playing harmonica, bass, a smooth guitar and singing the blues. His versatility is absolutely “instrumental” in this three piece powerhouse, allowing King King to cover a lot of musical ground with 3 players. The Doc previously sang and played, along with Terry, in the KC blues 5 piece the Waxed Tadpoles, who cut it up throughout the Midwest clear through the 90’s. Wheeler’s vocal skill has grown tremendously through the King King experience as has his recently developed prowess on harp. Cole’s got the blues in his blood.
Terry (T-Bone) Williams – Where Cole is the finesse, Terry provides the raw, cutting, powerful guitar sounds that let you know the King King jalopy is coming clear across town. T-Bone’s time in the Waxed Tadpoles honed his blues licks, his stamina, and the band’s long 13+ year run built up an impressive fan base that King King has the pleasure of enjoying – these people come to party. “You would never think THAT kind of guitar sound would come from THAT guy…” has been said more than once, as T comes straight from the ranch to the gig…the dirt, grit, grease, and “work hard, play hard” spirit shines through on stage.
Gabe Hedstrom – It’s hard to tell from minute to minute whether Gabe is driving this locomotive, shoveling coal, blowing the whistle, or relaxing in the dining car sipping whiskey. That could really be said about all three members, they all do different jobs to keep the railroad running, but Gabe DOES consistently make a clickety-clack noise…so maybe he’s the wheels, or maybe the track…that’s enough of that analogy. Though Gabe is a decade younger, he started playing the drums early, and it’s not that hard of an instrument anyway, so he fits in well. Joking aside, Gabe’s experiences playing rock in the 37 Chickens and old-school country in the Jensen Twins’ Show Band primed him for a band that gets to the roots of both those styles of music.
Sorry I haven’t stopped by in a while! I’ve been a busy girl opening a new gym in Kansas City, and I’m also getting ready to compete in a few weeks, so wish me luck!
“Always aim higher than you believe you can reach. So often you’ll discover that when your talents are set free by your imagination, you can achieve ANY goal.” -Edmund O’Neill
Hey guys- I hope Memphis was fun anyway. Now is time to get to work! Come jam with us at the Hideout this Sunday, March 1. A good time will be had by all.....
Congrats on your recent win! Better late than never (i.e. Tadpole Performance back in the day) Wish I could join you in Memphis for the festivities.. I am sure you will represent KC well...
