Joe McBride describes his new band and disc by saying "The jazz here is influenced by the blues in Chicago as well as rich zydeco heritage of New Orleans. Then there’s the southern funk and gospel." Releasing the new album titled Texas Hold ’Em for Headsup International, McBride on piano and keyboards, vocals and beat box has given us a card playing’ theme that shuffles along rather nice.

A version of Iron Butterfly’s "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is a different song to cover especially for a jazz band, but it works well down with McBride’s piano taking the role of the vocals. This one stays under four minutes. The title track with a slow groove and it’s a perfect poker playing song-keeping with the theme. McBride adds vocal to the song "Giving It All To You" which is a love song within the same vein as say Luther Vandross.

Another McBride original called "I’m Here For You" has the taste of some soulful jazz, but also combines a sweet, romantic jazz mood. This being his seventh release, McBride through his other endeavors with contributions from other famous jazzmen has hot his stride.

Larry Spencer contributed a muted trumpet on the song "One Eyed Jack" where Martin Walters adds guitar on "All In." McBride has surrounded himself with some rhythm men, known as the Texas Rhythm Club. "This band is killing" says McBride and this album while not a full house is a royal flush none the less. Four out of five chips in.