Lew Gatewood and The Incinerators Ignite a Blues Inferno at the Chubby Pickle
by Joseph Vincent Riggio , J v ARCHER ENTERTAINMENT
On what might’ve been the sweetest Friday evening the Jersey Shore’s seen in months, the blues came alive at the Chubby Pickle — a JSJBF member venue that knows how to host a proper throwdown. Sliding into town with the cool confidence of a cat who’s seen a million nights, NJ Blues Hall of Fame’s own Lew Gatewood and his band brought the house down with a smokin’ set laced with deep-pocket funk, smooth R&B flavors, and soul-drenched blues.
But before Lew lit the fuse, it was The Incinerators who warmed the crowd up right. This host band came in hot, like they always do, laying down a rock-solid mix of choice covers and tight originals — some fresh off the studio floor, destined for their upcoming release. Band leader John Fernandez and axe-slinger Rich Coccoli locked in on guitars like old friends finishing each other’s sentences.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith and Chris Martell held it down with that no-nonsense rhythm section groove. Gary Neuwirth added his signature harp spice to the stew, and the band’s not-so-secret weapon, Little Miss Kimmie, floated in with her silky vocals, adding some sugar and sass in all the right places. Everybody in that band, ‘cept Chris, steps out front now and then, making them one of the most versatile — and criminally underrated — acts on the scene.
During the set change, the room buzzed with familiar faces and old friends. Caught up with Walter and Marie from the XL Jazz Band — they’ll be swingin’ through for a Saturday Jazz Café gig on May 31st, special early start at 5pm. Also spotted Jack Picc from Jump Back, the man who runs the monthly blues jam right in that very room. Lots of longtime JSJBF folks were in the crowd, and as the one who’s been runnin’ these events the last five years, it warmed my heart to see that spirit of music, art, culture, and community still goin’ strong.
Then Lew hit the stage.
With Charlie Peer on bass and Andy Rubo on drums, they set the tone with a slow-burn instrumental. Lew strolled the stage like a preacher on Sunday, easing into the groove with his Reverend guitar singing through a Wooly Coats “Extra Spanky” amp — and man, that thing had tone for days. No set list, just vibes. Lew read the room and played to the moment, letting the blues flow wherever it wanted to go.
He joked, “Everything I play becomes a blues song,” and he wasn’t lyin’. From deep cuts to unexpected spins, Lew turned every tune into a journey. A standout? Their take on “People Say” by The Meters — Lew kicked in a pedal and worked that whammy bar like it owed him money, while Charlie and Andy carved out the space like true pros. Blues met funk in the alley, and the crowd felt every note.
The high point of joy? A tune called “So Much Love,” penned by Lew’s buddy John Paris. It had a down-home call-and-response feel that had the whole room singin’ like a Sunday choir. Then, for the closer, Lew reached into the heartstrings with “Going Down Slow,” a soul-deep R&B burner he dedicated to beloved local music photographer Dennis Zund, recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. You could feel the love in the room. Lew reminded us about the benefit for Dennis at The Wonder Bar, May 1st, 5 to 10pm — another night to show that music family love.
On several occasions, Lew left the stage mid-song and took his guitar walkin’ around the room — real old-school bluesman stuff — connecting with folks face to face. One of those moments came during the slick and spicy Rick Vito tune “Last Chance to Mambo,” where the rhythm section dropped a Latin-flavored pulse without ever stepping too far from the blues.
By the end of the night, we were all smiling, sweating, and glad to be alive in the groove. Another unforgettable night at a venue that does it right.
We’ll catch y’all again this summer —
June 20: Joe Zook & Blues Deluxe
August 22: Mikey Junior in a rare local appearance — all night long.
Keepin’ the blues alive, baby. Always.