Blues legend Popa Chubby will be performing at Callahan’s in Auburn Hills, MI on March 9-10, 2018. The Chubbster will be playing selections from his latest release "Two Dogs", as well as selections from Chubby's prolific 25 year career.
Popa Chubby Tour Dates: February 26 - New York, NY - BB King’s March
2-3 - San Francisco, CA - Biscuits & Blues
8 - Cleveland, OH - Music Box Supper Club
9-10 - Auburn Hills, MI - Callahan’s
16 - Beverly, MA - 9 Wallis
17 - Woonsocket, RI - Chan’s
23 - Stanhope, NJ – Stanhope House April
7 - Hartford, CT - Black Eyed Sally’s
11 - Wyomissing, PA - Berks Jazz Festival
13 - Albany, NY - Upper Room
14 - N. Truro, MA - Provincetown Town Hall May
11 - Pawling, NY - Daryl’s House
12 - Fairfield, CT - Stage One June
1 - Jim Thorpe, PA - Mauch Chunk Opera House
2 - Hagerstown, MD - Western Maryland Blues Festival
Ted Horowitz aka Popa Chubby's new 2017 album "Two Dogs" might be his most personal one: "People ask me why 2 dogs? It's an old fable – 2 dogs, 2 wolves", says Popa Chubby. "We have become polarized as a race. There is a battle inside each of us.
Each day we rise and must choose our path calling upon each other and our own spirits for strength and courage. The dog we feed is the one that rules the dog we starve dies of neglect. It is up to each of us to use our spirit to feed the dog that will enable all of us to thrive.
I believe in the triumph of the human spirit, I believe that a grain of hope is more powerful than a mountain of fear. And I believe I love. We are here to love. Love each other, love the gift that is this life, and love music. So my dear friends, I make this offering to you with love, hope and the awareness that the dog I feed is the one that will help me to bring all the love in my soul to you."
Medium 1
It's Alright
Rescue Me
Preexisting Conditions
Sam Lay's Pistol
Two Dogs
Dirty Old Blues
Shakedown
Wound Up Getting High
Cayophus Dupree
Me Won't Back Down
Chubby's Boogie
Sympathy For The Devil (Bonus Track)
Hallelujah (Bonus Track)
Detroit Music has influenced millions including East coast lead guitarist Tom Guerra (Mambo Sons). Chatted online with Tom last night and he released a new LP a few months back "Trampling Out the Vintage"...Click the links to listen to each track. We loved it!
Popa Chubby with Tom Guerra
Creem Magazine was the bible that I grew up on, and some of my all time favorite guitarists are Jim McCarty and Steve Hunter (who both did time in Mitch Ryder's bands!). From a songwriting perspective, the great Lamont Dozier and brothers Brian and Eddie Holland who wrote many of Motown's greatest hits were huge influences. Tom Guerra
ABOUT THE ALBUM: “Trampling Out the Vintage” is the second solo album from Mambo Sons’ guitarist Tom Guerra. The title is from a line in “Battle Hymn of the Republic” aka “Glory Glory Hallelujah”), and refers to the old guitars and amps used in the recording process. Like “All of the Above” (Tom’s first solo disc), “Trampling…” is an old school rock and roll record, but one written for these times. Joining Tom in the studio this time was…
Kenny Aaronson and Tom Guerra
"Most recently, Tom has been busy writing new original music with world class bassist Kenny Aaronson (currently touring with The Yardbirds) for a future recording project. "
• Kenny Aaronson – Bass guitar
• Morgan Fisher and Matt Zeiner – Piano and Hammond
• Mike “Double Dog” Kosacek – Drums and percussion
Here’s a blurb about each track in Tom’s own words…
All Purpose Song– In the old days, we’d have to tune our radios to pull in a song, and then “static evolved into grace.” This is a sort of riff rocker about how music can mean so many different things to people.
Dr. Nick and Elvis– I had a dream that Elvis and his good friend Dr. Nick ran a church to help cure the type of ills detailed in the verses. While writing it, I heard Lemmy had passed, so I included a line in about “The Ace of Spades.”
Tell the World– The conflict between being feeling guilty to be happy when the world is going to hell in a handbasket, set in a 2 minute 43 second pop song.
BYOB – I’ve read that the NYC rock scene had some great parties in the ‘70s, and this is how I imagined them to be...
Make Your Own Kind of Music – As a kid, I fell in love with Mama Cass’ version after seeing her sing this Mann/Weil pop ditty on the Sammy Davis Jr. show. It is re-imagined here as a rock and roll tune.
Love Will Forget You – The flip side of love, in a funk styled tune. Kenny’s bass sort of propels this song along.
Pay In Blood – My favorite guitarists have all covered Bob Dylan, so here’s my contribution to that list, re-arranged with a more “Stonesy” vibe in open G tuning.
Supermoon– I was thinking of David Bowie and his space themed songs when I wrote this, about a rare celestial happening (also called a blood moon) that according to legend is a sign of the End of Days. Side Note: The ’63 Strat I played on this was formerly owned by Howlin’ Wolf, and is now on loan to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame until 2018.
Grow On Your Own – I wrote this about a friend of mine who was afraid to be alone.
Hard to Love – A simple ballad I wrote on piano about a not-so-nice guy that leaves his bride at the altar and ultimately realizes he’s the problem.
TG with vintage Gibson Firebird
More About Tom:
Since the late 1970s, Guerra has been on the New England club circuit, playing blues, rock and roll and R&B acts. Influenced by Rory Gallagher, Paul Kossoff, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and Joe Walsh, Guerra first gained notoriety after being featured in Guitar Player (March 1991).
Over the years, Guerra has recorded or played with Rick Derringer, The Dirty Bones Blues Band', Max Weinberg, Mark Nomad, Sticky Fingers (for which he wrote and arranged original music for the group's debut CD), The Easton Brothers with Muddy Waters bassist Charles Calmese, Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson from The Allman Brothers Band, Second Son, Guitar Shorty, Adolph Jacobs of The Coasters, Kenny Aaronson, and The Delrays.
In 1999, he formed Mambo Sons with singer Scott Lawson, based upon a songwriting partnership that dated back to the early 1980s. Their debut album, released in 1999, featured Rick Derringer. This twelve-song effort contained both new music as well as songs the two had originally written a decade before. Read Full Bio on WIKI
“When I get on stage, I completely loose it. I go with the feel of the music and the energy from the audience. I don’t think about anything, I just go with it.”
Singer / Songwriter Eliza Neals
The album cover and color photos/albums/flyer "HJN Consulting"
Eliza Neals, a Sanger not a Singer
By Jackie Wallace
This past summer at the Royal Oak, Michigan festival, Arts, Beats & Eats, I was lured into a performance by a big, bluesy, voice. The sound was electrifying and I was instantly intrigued. That voice was that of Eliza Neals and the Narcotics. They undoubtedly stopped people in their tracks and sustained the attention of a packed crowd and I immediately wanted to know more.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit Michigan, Eliza Neals has earned the respect from music fans of all genres. Neals began her music career at a very young age, singing and playing piano, and she later pursued a degree in Opera from Wayne State University. Her love for Motown coupled with her signature soulful voice led her in the direction of Blues. She has experienced the high points in her musical journey, such as when she was signed to a developmental deal with Virgin Records. As well as some lows, Virgin label changed directions, and the deal fell through. Despite what challenges she faced, Eliza continued to pursue her dreams.
Within the last two to three years, Eliza’s musical career has exploded. She has graced the covers of Detroit Magazines, and has been a multi nominee at the Detroit Music Awards, winning "Outstanding Blues/R&B Recording (album)," "Rock Songwriter,” and "Outstanding Blues Songwriter.” Eliza Neals and the Narcotics were featured as part of the “Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists/Bands of 2014” by Music Connection Magazine.
In 2013, Eliza Neals was voted by Real Detroit Weekly readers as the “Best Blues artist/group in 2013.” Her music is played on Pandora, Discovery Channel, HBO, the list goes on. Neals, currently resides in both New York as well as Detroit. “The success did not come overnight,” explains Neals. “I have been at this for some thirteen years, writing, recording, gigging, touring and then repeat.”
Part of her success comes from surrounding herself with talented people both musically as well as business minded. Her production team includes “her man” and business partner, HJ, as well as Detroit legend, Barrett Strong, whose résumé consists of working with greats such as the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and others. In addition to co-writing on each others albums, Strong has been a mentor to Eliza and has played an active role in her career offering priceless advice and guidance.
Eliza has spent the last year working on her new album titled “Breaking and Entering.” This new album showcases the soulful elements in her voice that identify her as a “Sanger” and not just a “Singer.” Her vocals have earned her such titles as, “The Detroit Diva,” and as her fans from the south refer to her as “Northern Soul”.
The album unleashes the Detroit Diva’s sass, with catchy hooks such as “Now let me tell you ‘bout the time when I caught him with a girlfriend of mine” (Sugar Daddy). “Breaking and Entering” is a merge of retro meets new funk that will continue to appeal to her loyal blues fans as well as cross over to mainstream music, gaining the likes of a new generation.
Neals will be featured on Detroit Fox 2 News on January 30th, 2015 at 9:00am with her band, The Narcotics, to promote her performance on January 31st. The band is made up of some of Michigan’s music icons, which includes blues guitarist Howard Glazer (EL 34’s), hit producer, Mike Puwal (CannonBall Records, ICP), guest guitarist, Kenny Olson (Kid Rock), and Gabe Gonzalez (George Clinton) on drums.
Eliza Neals and the Narcotics will be kicking off the Blues Festival on Saturday, January 31st, 2015 at The New Way Bar in Ferndale, MI, at 9:00pm. The two-set show will include songs from her award winning album, “Messin’ with a Fool,” as well as a sneak peak into “Breaking and Entering.” Although the album has not been officially released, it will be available for sale that evening and can also be purchased from CD Baby and iTunes.
After kicking off the Blues Festival in Ferndale, Eliza Neals and The Narcotics will head down to Miami for their “Breaking and Entering” album release concert on February 20th, 2015 at The Will Call Venue in Miami, FL.
If the cold weather has you singing the blues, head out to The New Way Bar in Ferndale, MI on January 31st to cozy up to the sultry sound of Eliza Neals and the Narcotics.
Los Angeles, CA - Larger than life blues figure Popa Chubby has a lot of reasons to feel lucky this year. 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of his emergence as a powerful force in the venerable New York blues scene with his very own band, and his own unique brand of hard hitting, face melting, blues rock n’ funky soul. And he’ll celebrate this major milestone the only way he knows how, with the release of a smokin’ hot studio album I’m Feelin’ Lucky - coming October 14 on Cleopatra Records - and a series of shows on the West Coast!
“It’s been 25 years and I’m still standing,” declares Popa Chubby, and considering the long and rugged road he’s had to travel, that in itself is a miracle. From his beginning in the late ‘70s as a “bad kid with an afro and a brand new Gibson Midnight Special guitar” to his stint as a punk rock sideman for Screaming Mad George and Richard Hell, among others, to signing a deal with Sony and releasing one of the top selling blues albums of 1994 (the phenomenal Booty And The Beast), Popa Chubby has seen it all and lived to tell about it on well over a dozen studio albums!
His newest effort I’m Feelin’ Lucky gave the veteran musician an opportunity to reflect on his extraordinary career and to work on new musical ideas and arrangements in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. Recording at his home studio in the Hudson Valley, Popa called on some of his closest associates to help bring this album to life, including drummer Chris Reddan, keyboardist Dave Keyes, and bassist Francesco Beccaro. In addition, two very special guests brought even more magic to the proceedings, vocalist Dana Fuchs, mostly known for her role in the 2007 Beatles musical Across The Universe, as well as one of the most revered blues players around today, Mike Zito of the Royal Southern Brotherhood.
I’m Feelin’ Lucky is Popa’s debut album for Cleopatra and contains some of his best and most deeply felt writing. “The Way It Is” is an “urban soul ballad,” he explains, “that’s about those times when you just sit there and you realize that you’re all messed up and there ain’t nothing you can do about it...that’s the blues right there.” The title track is a major slice of “badass funk” with heavy wah wah pedal guitar playing from Popa and “great New Orleans style lyrics.” “I’m A Pitbull (Nothin’ But Love)” may be the song closest to his heart: “I’m a big dog lover. I have a little pitbull and I love him dearly. They’re a very misunderstood breed. I work with people at a pitbull rescue who work with these dogs and train them to be service dogs for veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a beautiful thing. There is not a more loyal, devoted and emotionally intuitive dog.” It’s these very same qualities in Popa Chubby’s own gracious persona that have been drawing fans to his music for over 2 decades.
Fans will also delight in hearing that Popa Chubby’s Universal Breakdown Tour hits the West Coast later this year with a slew of shows starting in Las Vegas at the Big Blues Bender held in the Riviera Hotel & Casino. For complete tour information, visit www.popachubby.com and get lucky with Popa Chubby!
1. Come To Me (with Dana Fuchs)
2. One Leg At A Time
3. Three Little Words
4. Rollin’ N’ Tumblin’
5. Too Much Information
6. Rock On Bluesman (with Mike Zito)
7. I’m Feelin’ Lucky
8. Save Your Own Life
9. I’m A Pitbull (Nothing But Love)
10. The Way It Is
Check out a video teaser for the album here:
9/25 - Las Vegas, NV - Big Blues Bender
9/26 - Ventura, CA - Yolie's
9/27 - Arcadia, CA - Arcadia Blues Club
9/28 - Santa Cruz, CA - Jerry's Front Pocket
9/30 - San Francisco, CA - Biscuits & Blues
10/2 - Crystal Bay, NV - Crystal Bay Club Casino
10/3 - Sacramento - Torch Club
10/4 - Point Arena, CA - Arena Theatre
10/7 - Portland, OR - Duff's Garage
10/8 - Birkenfeld, OR - The Birk
10/9 - Vancouver, BC - Electric Owl
10/10 - Mount Vernon, WA - Lincoln Theatre
10/11 - Seattle, WA - Highway 99 Blues Club
Edgar Winter has announced the Rock n' Blues Tour that originally was to include his late brother Johnny Winter will now continue in his memory, according to a statement released July 22. The tour, which will kick off July 31, was to feature both Johnny Winter and his brother Edgar Winter, Vanilla Fudge, Peter Rivera formerly of Rare Earth and Savoy Brown's Kim Simmonds. READ MORE
Guitarist Johnny Winter a Detroit favorite passed away while on tour....
Texas blues icon Johnny Winter has passed away on July 16, 2014 in his hotel room in Zurich, Switzerland.
His wife, family and bandmates are all saddened by the loss of one of the world's finest guitarists.
Winter rose to fame in the late 1960s and '70s with his performances and recordings that included producing his childhood hero Muddy Waters.
"I love blues. I don't mind a little rock and roll, too, as long as it's blues-based rock and roll," he told Guitar World in 2010. He was the older brother of Edgar Winter — also a music legend.
Winter's representative, Carla Parisi, confirmed Thursday to the Associated Press that Winter died Wednesday in a hotel room in Zurich. A Facebook note says "his wife, family and bandmates were all saddened by the loss of one of the world's finest guitarists."
He had been on an extensive tour that took him to Europe for his last performance Saturday at the Lovely Days Festival in Wiesen, Austria. He performed in May at the annual Jazz Fest in New Orleans. READ MORE
Vinny Appice, Tinsley Ellis, Rod Piazza, Eric Gales and members of Gov't Mule & Double Trouble
Pre-Order Cd
“Eli is on his way!” - Leslie West
Los Angeles, CA – Much to the anticipation of blues music aficionados worldwide, acclaimed blues guitarist Eli Cook will be releasing his new CD titled 'Primitive Son' on April 29, 2014 on Cleopatra Records. Making this eagerly awaited release even more exciting is the inclusion of legendary guest artists such as Leslie West of Mountain, Pat Travers, Artimus Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Harvey Mandel, Eric Gales, Reese Wynans of Double Trouble, Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Ronnie James Dio), Tinsley Ellis, Rod Piazza and Jorgon Carlson of Gov't Mule! The legendary Son House (1902-1988) was known to say “Blues is a feelin’”. Eli Cook’s music expresses that same raw honesty in a unique blend of contemporary and old-school styles, creating an original sound at the fore-front of modern Blues and Rock.
Says Eli, “ 'Primitive Son' is a mix of modern and old-school blues with contemporary topics and an emphasis on lyricism and arrangement in an epic bar-rock format. With production and vibe, much of the material was constructed be a kind of 'Exile on Main St' with modern recording and songs, type-of-thing. There are a few more slick production pieces that we pushed in an almost cinematic direction for dramatic effect, and that comes from me being a film score nut. I like creating dynamic arrangements with limited instrumentation.”
Check out Eli's upcoming shows:
May 9 Concerts on the Docks, Huntsville, Al
May 10 Slick Willy's South, Belton, MO
May 11 Nathan P Murphy's Blues Club, Springfield, MO
May 13 Greens & Blues, Boulder, CO
May 15 Silver Lake Lounge, Los Angeles, CA
May 16 Paladino's, Tarzana, CA
May 17 Duel Brewing, Santa Fe, NM
May 18 BB's Jazz, Blues, & Soups, St. Louis, MO
Sad news today, we lost another loving Detroit soul...Guitarist Rick Stel fought a brave battle against cancer...He was so good and his music was compelling. I remember the first time I saw him play it was in Ann Arbor with Jim McCarty's Mystery Train. I was there to film Jimmy but my camera kept pulling me to the left where Rick was playing.
He was magical to watch..he really was...our prayers are with his family and friends.....he was beautiful ❤️
JB Blues interviewed Jimmy McCarty about Rick's passing... it's a lovely piece.. click here to read more
The Muddy Brothers are a Brazilian band, from Vila Velha (ES), formed by the end of 2012. Their basic influences are the blues man from the North-American Delta and the rocknroll sound of the 70’s.
As a trio the band members are João Lucas (Vocals), Will Just (Guitars) and Renato Just (Drums). In November 2013, the band released their first full album, Handmade, recorded and produced by themselves in a totally independent environment.
Recently, they won the “Rock on Top” contest that featured over 300 bands from all over Brazil, that gave the band the opportunity to be an opening band at The Planeta Terra
Festival.
We also served as an opening act for names like Beck, Blur, Lana Del Rey, The Roots, Travis and others.
The Muddy
Brothers was formed and breathes through their member's passion for the American Bluesmen that changed the world banging their feet on the floor
and scratching their guitars, The Muddy Brothers are trying something
like that. Only with a lot of drive and Fuzz.
On January 11, 2014 at the Cooley Lake Inn in Commerce Township Jim McCarty was honored with the Detroit Blues Society Lifetime Achievement Award presented to him by Mike Boulan and Mike Rembor from the Detroit Blues Society.
The awards show was hosted by the Tosha Owens Band featuring guest blues musicians Bobby Murray, Ray Goodman, Big Al, 13 year old guitar virtuoso Brandon Lee, Little Arthur and Jimmy's son Dylan on drums. Congratulations Jimmy.
