I’ve been wanting to write a piece on Pappo’s Blues for a long time. I have always been a fan of old Latin rock. My recent interview with Christian Van Lacke from Tlon got me jonesing again. Buying the reissue of Tarkus sole release while in South America was a revelation. And how about Los Saicos? Punk rock creators or not, their rebellious power is undeniable.

A couple of years back I decided to check back on the first four records from Argentina's Pappo’s Blues. Upon first spin I was immediately corroded by the warm yet rough guitar playing of Norberto Napolitano. Since, I don't think I've spent a whole week without at least listening to two of Pappo's Blues songs. That stuff makes my nights. Pappo's Blues records now sound more wonderful and timeless than ever.

Needless to say, listening to music in a different language is a personal choice. But if it’s not your choice, then you might be missing on something as classy and soulful as the first four releases of Pappo’s Blues.  

Pappo's Blues was the creation of the brilliant guitarist Norberto Napolitano and which better genre could a guitarist choose to highlight its chops than the blues. Volumen 2 was released in 1972, by then Napolitano was already a veteran of the Argentinean rock scene. He had first done time with Los Abuelos de la Nada in the late 60's, a band that about fifteen years later would find massive success in South America. He would then move onto Los Gatos with whom he'd record Beat No.1 in 1970.  But it wasn't until he formed Pappo's Blues that he found not only his own voice but also recognition in his motherland. Volumen 2 is a straight up blues record, filled with warm notes and vicious guitar playing. No mimics here, just thick bass notes, fluent yet loose blues guitar and relaxed drumming. A couple of ballads here, but the rock and roll influence is obvious. The organic production job is pure 70's rawness.
 

Pappo’s Blues Vol. 2 Download

In contrast Volumen 3 sounds more metallic. The production is fuzzier and more electric. Some of the tunes sound more upbeat, but the blues backbone is everything. "Pajaro Metalico" is hard with Napolitano sounding way more confident and busy, packing more notes where before he sounded laid back.  The drumming is colorful with fills and cymbal splashing everywhere. Overall, it sounds like Pappo's Blues came totally together here, with each player letting go freely and following a vibe instead of a partiture or a structure. A song like "Sucio y Desprolijo" is hard rock plain and simple, the riff is metal and the solo is aggressive and relentless.
 

Pappo’s Blues Vol. 3 Download  

Volumen 4 includes the song "Abelardo El Pollo", perhaps my favorite Pappo's Blues song. It's also one of his simplest, but it perfectly captures the essence of Pappo's Blues. This sounds like beautiful stoner rock, a simple blues based but heavy and downtuned riff smears the background with sepia toned moods, while Pappo solos and solos almost non stop. Napolitano's vocal delivery is beyond relaxed, lethargic and sleepy. He almost sounds uninterested. Like the vague and apparently absurd lyrics that would be Napolitano's trademark, this one is hard to describe. Abelardo is a chicken, and apparently he is having a hard time dealing with life. Napolitano is telling him not to suffer, to relax and comforts him by mentioning that we all go through the same difficulties.  
 

Pappo’s Blues Vol. 4 Download

Throughout the career of Pappo's Blues there would be frequent lineup changes and despite the recognition in Argentine's rock circles, the band would receive no airplay. Later in the 1970's Napolitano would spend some time in Brazil and in Europe. While in England he would play with the likes of Peter Green (FLeetwood Mac) and Lemmy (Motorhead). Once he returned to Argentina, Napolitano would form the heavy metal band Riff. With them Pappo would finally taste success.

The 1980's saw a blues scene emerging in Argentina, which brought Pappo recognition as the Godfather of Argentine blues.

In the 1980's Pappo spent some time in the States, where he reformed Riff and formed another metal band called Widowmakers. In the 90's he would establish a friendship with BB King, with whom he'd share the Madison Square Garden stage. While at home, he continued playing and recording whell into the 90's while also indulging in his passion for motorcycles and fast cars.

In February 24th, 2005, after having dinner with his son, Norberto Napolitano would die in a car accident.

I am offering links to download these three records. There are some who criticize such actions. I must say, those links are first, NOT mine and second, I don't really give a fuck. Why? Well, these records are out of print and the music of Pappo's Blues could always use some extra exposure. Music is out there to be enjoyed by everyone, any time. No indie label is going to go broke because I am posting these links.   Especially when no one is even bothering reissuing.