Popa Chubby stands before a sold-out crowd in Paris at l’Olympia – The theatre where Hendrix, Miles, The Beatles and so many greats played – He tells the audience : “Je T’aime Mes Amis” ! “I love you my friends” and in that moment it’s like the pandemic never happened. Popa has not stopped working. He followed the 2020 release celebrating his 30th anniversary (“It’s A Mighty Hard Road”) with an introspective outing reflecting his time at home : “Tinfoil Hat”. The year that has followed has lead to more upbeat themes and times. This is strongly reflected on his latest recording, “Emotional Gangster”, out worldwide on Dixiefrog records on March 2022. And indeed the emotions run high on this recording. 11 tracks featuring The Chubbfatha on many instruments and doing all the mixing and recording duties. “This record definitely reflects happier times and good solid dose of classic blues !” Says Popa from his studio full of guitars in the Hudson Valley. “I specifically included covered like “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Dust My Broom” to show respect for the Fathers. Willie Dixon has always been my idol you know”. But the real gems here come in Popa’s original compositions. “Equal Opportunity” is a light-hearted sing along that celebrates the feminine at a time when it is seriously needed. And songs like “Fly Away” and both French and English versions of “Why You Wanna Make War?” are big standouts ! There is more than an ample amount of pure guitar bliss on this record and slide guitar on tracks like “Tonight I’m Gonna Be The Man” add flavor to a savory mix ! For an added bonus Harmonica Wizard Jason Ricci joins Popa on the Blues Rock anthem “New Way Of Walking” and the swing shuffle “Best For Last”. Popa has been given many accolades in a 30 years career. He shuns recognition and has little use for awards as he says it just gets in the way of the music. This has not stopped his last 3 outings from reaching the Billboard Blues Charts. He has also been given the prestigious Red Rooster Award by Willie Dixon’s family and been nominated for a Grammy and a W.C. Handy Award. With “Emotional Gansgster Popa puts his heart on the line and makes a play to steal yours!