If ever the term 'larger than life' was appropriate for a man, it could be Popa Chubby - a shaven headed, tattoo covered man mountain who grew up, literally, on the streets of New York, overcame heroin addiction on those streets, was there on the CBGB New York punk scene in '77, and has gone on to make over 20 albums.

Although his new album, 'Back To New York City', is clearly a blues based affair, it goes off in several wonderful tangents along the way. Opening cut, 'Back To New York City' tips a large feathered hat to Hendrix with a real groovy 'Crosstown Traffic' vibe, whilst the Texas shuffle of 'She Loves Everybody But Me' tips a hat of the Stetson variety in the direction of Stevie Ray Vaughan. The powerful and dramatic psychedelic blues rock of 'Pound Of Flesh' is a real highlight, with the influence of Cream and Mountain flowing through its veins.

Popa's punk roots come to the fore on the energetic 'Warrior God' with a riff reminiscent of The Damned's 'Neat, Neat, Neat' fused with some cool Hendrix inspired noodling. 'It's About You' has some neat hard rock riffing and 'Keep the Woodpile Dry' is a solid straight ahead blues rock tune. Leonard Cohen's 'The Future' gets the blues infused Popa treatment, and there's even time for Popa to rock up a bit of JS Bach on 'Jesus Joy Of Man's Desire'. 'A Love That Will Not Die' illustrates what a talented guitarist Popa Chubby is with some superb soloing, whilst 'She Made Me Beg For It' shows he can call upon a bit of funkiness when required.

'Back To New York City', then, is a thoroughly enjoyable rock album that veers off in a variety of weird and wonderful directions, but never loses sight of its blues roots. There's some wonderful guitar work throughout, some great songs, and when it comes to the vocals, the big man clearly has a voice to match. As fine as this album is, and it really is good, I get the impression that where this man will really shine is the stage, and we don't have too long to wait as he hits the UK in November for a tour with Walter Trout.

http://www.popachubby.com/