Back To New York City blends the best of blues and rock. The CD is packed with flavorful fret work melding with smoking leads. Popa pens lyrics that speak of sad times and spiritual matters. Other tunes are spiked with sexual innuendo in the tradition of old school blues. He has a deep rather earthy vocal style that works well with his music. Overall, the CD is a rocker that rolls along on steady succulent rhythms with keys adding accents to the stories. Popa pays tribute to others on the album with his blazing bold spin on Johan Sebastian Bach's "Jesus Joy of Man Desire" and "She Loves Everybody But Me" a song infused with Texas shuffle that echoes of Stevie Ray Vaughan.

"The Future" is another highlight on the record with its dark imagery, daring guitar licks and the refrain "repent". Back To New York City is a diverse collection of songs that mixes rock with classic and contemporary blues and is a fine addition to Popa Chubby's expanding canon.

When we caught up with the potent Popa Chubby on January 6, 2012 at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, New Jersey - it was the first night of his winter tour. It will be a few weeks before this run of dates will see him get Back to New York City proper but fans can pick up his robust record of that name right now.

Mexicali Live has been a mainstay in the region for years with many great acts gracing its stage. The room is intimate and depending on the show set-up fans can sit and have a meal. The room has good sound and many performers such as Popa Chubby have played the venue multiple times.

"Howdy," greeted Popa as he took the stage clad in a sleeveless black vest that showcased his ink. He is a big man and somewhat intimidating. His tale of a run in with the law before the show for speeding with "a Moroccan skunk" added to that impression. Settling into his seat, Popa started off strong pulling beguiling blues riffs from his battered axe. His rhythm team (AJ Pappas & Chris Reddan) and keyboardist (Dave Keyes) provided a solid backbone for Popa Chubby's lively leads.

"Happy 2012, Goodbye 2011," Popa stated before playing a spirited "Keep on the Sunny Side of Life" with the bass and drum propelling the peppy pace. Paying honor to B.B. King the band performed a strapping version of "Rock Me Baby". Next they jammed on their innovative interpretation of Jimi Hendrix's "Hey Joe", which started soft and subtly built up momentum to support the lyrics. Popa returned to the softer strumming to allow the keys to float to the top of the mix and ended with smoking leads that bled into a bluesy piece about Amsterdam enhanced with some slide guitar.

For all of the first set, Popa Chubby played a single guitar, one that had weathered many gigs. Popa was not a flashy performer but he was fluid and fiery on the guitar and sang the songs like he meant it. When he sang the lyrics "do you know how it feels to be alone" you know he did as he expressed passion and pain in his leads and lyrics with points driven home by Dave's poignant piano parts.

Taking a page from the Les Paul playbook, Popa closed his first set with an expansive "Over the Rainbow". He performed the pretty piece with power using a series of volume swells to take the classic to new heights. Chubby's proficient band added a range of color to the jam.

In between sets, Popa was available to sign CDs and talk with fans. We had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Keys - a local musician from New York. Dave fronts his own band and plays with others in the region. Chubby often calls him out to sit in with the band when he is in town. Popa Chubby is a modern day blues man who's live shows are filled with captivating covers and compelling originals.

THE POPPA CHUBBY BAND:
Popa Chubby - guitar and vocals
AJ Pappas - bass
Chris Reddan - drums
Dave Keyes - keys and vocals

Opening for Popa Chubby was The Great Fraud who followed Popa's format of playing a mix of covers and their own material. Their set was energizing and engaging. All the tunes were up-tempo and well executed. The group was talented and at one point their guitarist played his instrument with his teeth. The power trio model was upgraded with the fourth member adding harmonica and tambourine to the songs. The Great Fraud was well received at Mexicali with the crowd shouting for more at the end of their set. They complied with "All Along the Watchtower" Hendrix style adding their own unique spin to the classic.

THE GREAT FRAUD:
Joe Marrero - guitar and vocals
Taso Zahariadas - bass Guitar and vocals
Tony Marchesani - drums and percussion
Phil "Reese" Karlan -harp, cigar box slide G -Tar

Related Links: For more information on Popa Chubby and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Popa Chubby | Mexicali Live | The Great Fraud

(Originally Published on January 08, 2012)