'Chubby' means 'chubby' but with this nickname Popa Chubby is doing herself short. This heavily tattooed musician is a bear of a guy, who has been a welcome guest at blues festivals for many years with his startling appearance. For this CD he invited some friends to indulge themselves to songs by artists who once inspired them. Besides Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters, these are Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup
… and the relatively unknown John Lee Williamson. Popa Chubby plays guitar and friends (Matt Smith, Dave Keys, Bill Perry, among others) help out where necessary. He calls it 'old school' and although you will encounter this term more in hip hop than in blues, it covers the load well. It is old-fashioned blues, where no new roads are explored but played with verve. (MS)more
