Saturday, August 20, 2005
Le Chubby
The French may not have given us much lately except large helpings of merde, so it was a relief to see that, while they are not necessarily enjoying sharing the world with the USA, they are enjoying some of what we have to share with the world. Popa Chubby's newest release, "Big Man, Big Guitar Popa Chubby Live was recorded over 3 years and 3 engagements in the land of the Fleur de Lys. Live performances at Radio France in June, 2001 and February, 2002 were followed by one taped performance at Le Plan on March 27, 2004. There are no anti-American or anti-Dubya remarks between the songs; it's a straight fat note, long songs, original and cover songs, well-produced cd.Mr. Horowitz, aka Popa Chubby, is the son of a Bronx candy store owning couple who loved jazz and r & b. He's a deep and long-time fan of Freddy King, a king of blues and r & b guitar instrumentals. Like Mr. King, Mr. Horowitz is neither slight of build nor blessed with a distinguished or memorable blues voice. However, he has a set of chops and he has a joy of playing that is immediate.
"Big Man, Big Guitar Popa Chubby Live is a mix of well-recorded songs, including covers of Neil Young's "Motorcycle Mama", Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", and The Carter Family's "Keep on the Sunny Side". Intermixed are high-charged versions of his own songs from his various cd's, including "Dirty Lie", a tightly played "I Can't See the Light of Day", and a high-smiling "Sweet Goddess of Love & Beer". Only Popa Chubby and Mike Lattreel, on keyboards, are the constants. There are 3 different bass players and an equal amount of drummers. You won't notice a difference, save when one of the bass players, Galea, does a duet with Popa Chubby. There is nothing earth-shattering or life-changing here. There are your tried and true blues chords thrown in with r & b beats, all played cleanly and all melding together into tightly performed songs. No sloppiness or numbing meanderings that spoil so many live albums (Robert Randolph's "Live at the Wetlands" comes immediately to mind...it could have been such a great recording, if only...) But the effort is real and Popa Chubby's aim is true. As an end of summer cd, cranked up high in your car or on your back porch, you cannot get better. An ice cold beer, straight from the bucket, should be close to hand.Some bio info (from his label, Blind Pig Records), including how Mr. Horowitz became Popa Chubby is here.
Comments:
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He's you isn't he. C'mon, admit it. Look what Craotia has done to you!
# opined by 
: 8:54 AM, August 22, 2005
: 8:54 AM, August 22, 2005
Bleak Mouse: While I agree with you that subtlety trumps "Elektrik Blooze" on most days, I slip occassionally and like wallowing in the simple chords. I believe the correct pronunciation is Mister Pop-ahhhhh. With his size, I believe the "Mister" is absolutely necessary.
Stephenesque: I swear it's not me! I have a bit more hair and a whole lot less talent. And I won't take the easy way out and blame my appearance on Croatia; one's physique usually reflects one's sins correctly.
Stephenesque: I swear it's not me! I have a bit more hair and a whole lot less talent. And I won't take the easy way out and blame my appearance on Croatia; one's physique usually reflects one's sins correctly.
WP: I was trying to come up with a clever riposte (Wry Toast, as pronounced by my daughter) by delving into The Devil's Dictionary. Would you believe that ol' Ambrose doesn't hav a definition for "Sin". So, I'll just add that the cd is worth putting on the A(mazon) list.
Pattie:Jim Morrison was way too much of a ladies' man for me. Less of the ladies and less og the good looks, and he'd be playing Vegas today to all of the other senior weekend visitors.
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Pattie:Jim Morrison was way too much of a ladies' man for me. Less of the ladies and less og the good looks, and he'd be playing Vegas today to all of the other senior weekend visitors.
<< Home Verging on Pertinence Just some more disposable thoughts clogging up the hinterlands
