Popa Chubby

Though the Bronx ain't exactly the next Delta, Popa Chubby has certainly put the place on the blues map. Equal parts Willie Dixon and Jimi Hendrix, Chubby (whose real name is Ted Horowitz) puts a rock twist on the blues without succumbing to blues-rock clichés. In the process, he gives both styles a much-needed kick in the pants and comes up with a hybrid that couldn't be better suited for the proverbial barroom boogie. A humorous character, Chubby maintains deadpan earnestness to great effect while singing about racy subjects. And, as his nom d'étage suggests, there's a certain physical component to watching the man play that you won't get from the lightweights.