Popa Chubby’s I Love Freddie King is exactly what the title suggests—a heartfelt tribute to one of the most influential blues guitarists ever. With an all-star lineup that includes Joe Bonamassa, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Mike Zito, and more, the album runs through some of King’s best work with a mix of reverence and revitalization.
Known for his incendiary guitar work and no-nonsense, hard-hitting style, Popa Chubby has spent decades carving out his own space in the blues rock world. With a career spanning over 30 years, he’s built a reputation as a road warrior, blending blues and rock with a touch of punk attitude. His raw, muscular playing and gravelly voice have made him a standout in the modern blues scene.
It’s no surprise, then, that he’d take on a tribute to Freddie King, one of his biggest influences. King’s unique lead attack, melodic phrasing, and ability to straddle blues and rock laid the groundwork for guitarists like Popa.
Right from the start, “I’m Going Down” sets the tone with a steamrolling groove. Popa’s hard-edged vocals add grit, while he and Bonamassa trade scorching licks like they’re dueling in a smoky Texas juke joint. Their chemistry is infectious, making for a fiery opener.
“Love Her With a Feeling” keeps things rolling, with Albert Castiglia joining in for a tight rendition of another King classic. The guitar work is, unsurprisingly, top-notch, and the piano accompaniment adds depth, enriching the track’s texture and capturing the spirit of King’s original take.
Then comes “My Credit Didn’t Go Through” with Eric Gales. The funk-infused rhythm gives it an irresistible groove, and Popa’s biting vocals cut through perfectly, channeling King’s signature mix of swagger and desperation.
The energy doesn’t let up with “She’s a Burglar”, where Mike Zito steps in to push the album’s guitar attack to new heights. This one rocks harder than most, with Zito and Popa both going all in. Popa’s vocals here might be the best on the whole record—gritty, soulful, and full of battle-proven confidence.
The instrumentals—”Hideaway”, “The Stumble”, and “San-Ho-Zay”—are all handled with care, capturing the infectious shuffle and melodic hooks that made Freddie King’s guitar playing so electrifying. “Hideaway”, in particular, stays true to the original’s playful, stop-start phrasing, while “San-Ho-Zay” smoothly grooves along. These tracks are a reminder of just how much King influenced blues and rock guitar, with his mix of sharp, stinging leads and melodic sensibility.
The album closes with “Same Old Blues”, a slow burner that brings everything home. With V.D. King on board, it’s a fittingly soulful closer that feels like a final tip of the hat to King’s legacy.
With I Love Freddie King, Popa Chubby and Friends do exactly what they set out to do—celebrate a legend with skill, passion, and just the right amount of fire. King’s songs are in great hands here, reminding us why his influence still looms so large over blues and rock today. March 25, 2025 - Fidel Beserra
https://bluesrockreview.com/2025/03/popa-chubby-and-friends-i-love-freddie-king-review.html
