"What is a bubba?"a visitor asked. Back home where I come from we call them `good ol' boys'. These are the men who run the system. They are forthright, honest for the most part, and can be counted on to give you the straight scoop and help when you need it, but they are local folks, so their priorities are definitely local. So who is Bubba System?
Drummer Paulie Walterson is a bubba. He is a Conch and has lived here all his life. Johnny Nunez and Johnny King are also bubbas. They play guitar and sing and are fantastic. Art Descoteaux is a bubba. Art plays guitar, fiddle, vibes, keyboards, bass, and just about anything that makes a sound. He also builds guitars from scratch (he's a luthier) and repairs instruments. In his spare time he's an artist, a potter and a sculptor. Put this amazing bunch together and you have Bubba System!
When I walked into Finnegan's Wake they were playing "Brown Eyed Girl", a requirement for any gig in Key West. It sounded great. The playing and singing was excellent on this chestnut that too often sounds tired. Next was an original salsa tune sung in Spanish by Nunez, whose powerful tenor voice shone. It had the sound of a classic to me. The guitarists played harmony lead, then each smoked one. These bubbas play hot guitar. Art drove the bass, and Paulie played great drums.
Bubba System has an impressive repertoire. The next offering was a super arrangement of the Beatles' "I've Just Seen a Face". Another excellent original said, "Take me down Little Susie, take me down. I know you're the queen of the underground". Paulie added a third harmony voice. Creedence Clearwater Revival is a necessary ingredient in any song list. Paulie sang "Susie Q". We all loved it. That Creedence lead brought back memories. Santana anyone? This group does it right. If you can't have fun with Bubba System, you probably don't have much fun.
Another fine original, "Take a Walk In the Sunshine" was a delight. These folks have talent. But do they play any country? Lawdy, yes chile, Johnny King sang "Today I Started Loving You Again". It was authentic old time country all the way. These bubbas don't fool around. An instrumental made us want to dance. But no bluegrass? Ha! Art picks up his fiddle. Johnny Nunez plays bass. The playing from everyone is superb.
Wow, another great original, "Can't Feel Afraid" is a strong pop song. Art plays fiddle lead. Then "Jambalaya" puts us in Cajun gear. "We've Got You Baby", another original is fine. Mr. King sings "Ain't No Sunshine'.
All the singers are excellent. Johnny Nunez plays some great bass slides. I am very impressed with the talent of Bubba System. They have their act together, as all bubbas should. Go find them. They will be back at Finnegan's Wake as well as other locations. Another star act is born?
Stay cool.