Popa Chubby And The Beast Band

Live At G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC

Gulf Coast, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live At G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC

The New York City guitarist and blues wizard Popa Chubby fleshed out these tracks live on October 24th and 25th, 2022, where Mike Merritt, Mike Dimeo and Stefano Giudici, AKA, the Beast Band, helped pump much energy into the sets.

The dense and raw “Motorcycle Mama” opens the listen with Chubby’s firm guitar alongside Giudici’s thumping drums, and it isn’t long before “Hey Joe” brings plenty of grit and playful riffs to the lively spirit.

Deeper into the night, “Dirty Diesel” spotlights Merritt’s superb bass playing amid the meticulous guitar licks, while “I Don’t Want Nobody” is full of melody and rhythm thanks to Dimeo’s well timed keys and Cubby’s animated guitar progressions.

Further still, “I Don’t Want Nobody” brings a more intimate appeal to the emotive landscape, and “Sympathy For The Devil/Chubby’s Story” exits with 10+ minutes of flowing and driving blues rock that really allows the robust vocals to shine.

The sound here is excellent, as are the songs, and Chubby and company sure do put a lot heart and soul into these hard hitting yet thoughtful blues gems that are easy to enjoy.

Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- I Got Love; Mike Zito- Blues For The Southside