Popa Chubby – The Essential Popa Chubby 2.04.11

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Popa Chubby

The Essential Popa Chubby

Blind Pig Records

The Uncommon Man

Huge in Europe and everywhere else, Popa Chubby, although talented, can be gruff at times. Early on when I first heard him “live,” I was turned off by a statement he made. Later when I met him I was unexpectedly impressed with his sense of self and with his fierce determination.

As a recording artist Popa may be too prolific. While many of his albums have good songs, well thought out and executed, they also include fragmented ideas that are not fully developed. I wondered many times how to review him. So I waited for this, The Essential, a collection of Popa’s best tracks culled from previous releases.

Although a master guitarist, Popa is not thinking about his solos, instead, he concentrates on melody and lyrics. This is demonstrated best on “How’d A White Boy Get The Blues” and on “Back in My Baby’s Arms.”  Popa’s song titles also reflect his sense of humor.  On “If the Diesel Don’t Get You Then The Jet Fuel Will,” he gives us one of his rockabilly-like guitar solos. My favorite here, however, is “Deliveries After Dark” from the album of the same name.

Popa Chubby is also known as an interpreter of Hendrix classics and his version of “Hey Joe” is included as is his most requested song, “Sweet Goddess of Love and Beer.” The band primarily features Steve Holly on drums and bass player Nicholas D’Amato. Dave Keyes guests and plays keyboards on “Grown Man Crying Blues.” Popa closes with the Carter Family classic, “Keep on The Sunny Side of Life.”

Popa has produced and graced the albums of many fellow musicians. The local New York blues community knows that there is no better family man or friend. If you haven’t caught up with Popa lately, this is a good time to do so.

Richard Ludmerer is a contributing editor to BluesWax. Comment on his review below.