A large part of what got me reacquainted with the Blues when this website began wasn’t the old timers out there still going strong or the young guns blazing away, it was these guys at Alligator Records who just kept sending me wonderful music. I in no way claim to be any kind of Blues historian, but I can pick the accents and lineage, but whatever flavour of Blues you love you’ll probably find it in Alligator’s extensive back catalogue.
It may be 50 years since founder, Bruce Iglauer “spent his savings on recording his favorite Chicago blues band, Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers, and thereby founded what was to become one of the most celebrated labels in blues history.” but the passion is still there and the quality undeniable.
The roster of artists featured on this release include teh self-same Hound Dog Taylor along with the likes of Koko Taylor, Albert Collins and Johnny Winter all the way to contemporary acts such as Shemekia Copeland, Chris Cain, Toronzo Cannon, Selwyn Birchwood and Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram. (Look out for reviews of their works over the coming weeks).
Whether you get the three disc CD collection or shell out for the 2-LP compilation I can guarantee this roughly chronological compilation will not disappoint and hopefully will have you digging deep into a number of back catalogues. It’s disc three here though that is the real gem for me – newer music from a host of familiar and less than familiar names that show you that both Blues in general is in fine health but more importantly Alligator still has the ear and the class to bring you the best ‘new’ Blues artists.
With all tracks remastered by Iglauer and Collin Jordan and extensive liner notes by Iglauer there’s a wonderful story to accompany this ear candy. This is essential listening – don’t let it slip you by.