The Good, the Bad & the Chubby

New York City multi-instrumentalist Ted Horowitz flies back in the face of purists with another intriguing collection of mix-and-match street styles, once again boldly embellishing his blues with rap, hip-hop, and rock sensibilities. In his Popa Chubby performing persona, Horowitz has explored 21st century blues stylings on a succession of record labels, polarizing critical opinion while entertaining an expanding fan base. The Good, the Bad & the Chubby continues the process, as Horowitz blurs the blues lines with 13 original songs presented in a variety of original ways. Since his recording studio is near the WTC ground zero site, it's not surprising that more than a few of the songs are streaked with 9/11 anger and angst. The opening track, a blues fusion with rap and gospel elements, is the best of such tunes, as it proclaims "Somebody Let the Devil Out" with some Dylanesque harp work layered over a churning rhythmic foundation. More traditional--although that's a word out of place with Popa Chubby--material spans the spectrum, from the full-tilt boogie of "If the Diesel Don't Get You Then the Jet Fuel Will" to the slow guitar showcase "I Can't See the Light of Day." --Michael Point