What's a dazzling urbanite like Popa Chubby doing in a rustic setting like this? Rockin’ their world is the simple answer. I was stunned when I saw first saw this gig advertised but I’m glad I took VATA’s advice “You should go see him, man”. It was an awesome display of fiery fretwork from start to finish.
Things didn’t quite get an auspicious start, first the promoters told me the start time was pushed back as the venue were screening some football match (England v Borat according to Popa) and then the posters at the venue said it would only run 10pm to 11pm – Good job they didn’t tell him that, it was 12:15am when the band came off stage.
So then, low-key start, a few bars of Secret Agent Man then the James Bond Theme and things kicked off – we got plenty of old, new & Low Down & Dirty. A searing instrumental of Over The Rainbow segued into Hendrix’s Hey Joe. Come 11pm, one Marshall amp down and we hadn’t all turned into pumpkins as the big man was led to believe, and so they played on; instrumental jams like She Made Me Beg For It vied with older stuff and even some Classical as well as more classic Hendrix, And The Wind Cries Mary.
Midnight came round, and the guys were on a roll, we had a blistering duo of guitar work with a friend of Popa’s, the band showcased; there was a great atmosphere. It had shades of becoming a lock-in, and with 2ft thick walls around the venue, I don’t think the rest of Reeth would even have known. Sadly though, the night’s proceedings had to come to and end, and what an ending; Wild Horses and a blistering Brown Sugar.
It was a smallish function room in a 18th century coach house but had a great atmosphere with 60 or so people rapt by this New Yorker and his beat-up fender, but what a great night. Like sitting in a ’67 Chevy Impala with a big block V8 – it ain’t pretty, it ain’t sophisticated, but boy its fun when it opens up and roars. As Russ Tippins says – “anyone who can make the word “man” stretch over 2 syllables has to be cool. And so is the guy who had the bottle to book him for this little hidden gem of a venue.
Mike
When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons. Why were the lemons free? What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
It certainly sounds like this one was a lot of fun with the great variety of tunes played. I've yet to see Popa but your review has made me determined to catch up with him one day. Sadly, it won't be this week. 