VARIOUS ARTISTS

Alligator Records 40^th Anniversary Collection

Alligator ALCD 125/126

By Tim Holek

With immense pride, Alligator Records – created in 1971 by Bruce Iglauer – celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2011. Alligator is home to the world’s premier blues and roots rock talent and is regarded as the top contemporary blues record label in the world. “I’ve lived my dream,” Iglauer once said. The surreal fantasy has included recording his favourite band, Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers, and other astonishing Chicago bands, as well as, new and existing blues musicians from all across America. With over 280 releases, the Alligator family has ensured blues will “not be resigned to mere history.”

     In addition to containing authoritative blues and roots music, the two-CD set 40^th Anniversary Collection comes with an attractive, low-cost retail price ($17.98 physical or $9.99 download), 160 minutes of completely re-mastered music, 38 recordings released between 1978 and 2011, and cleverly-written mini-biographies about the artists in the 32-page liner booklet. Iglauer personalizes those profiles with anecdotes and behind-the-scenes information.

     With a guitar that is loud and in-your-face, Coco Montoya delivers a kickin’ and killer track. Lil’ Ed Williams’ rollicking energy is boundless, and his guitar is a fireball. You’ll experience images of live wires crackling while Johnny Winter’s slide guitar explodes. Guitar Shorty’s savage blues are angry with fierce attitude. Tinsley Ellis is fueled on rock power. The Holmes Brothers’ voices soar with redemptive harmonies. Luther Allison releases an emotional and expressive lament. Rick Estrin’s nimble-as-a-cat vocals and classic harp are the core of The Nightcats’ bouncy sound. The Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor, dishes out traditional, electric blues with commanding sass while her throaty vocals roar. And that’s just to name a few of the many and varied artists on the double CD set.

     If you want to know what pure Chicago Blues sounds like, then listen to the aggressive music of Son Seals. Lonnie Brooks’ booming voice, sassy guitar, and enthusiastic rhythms are as fulfilling as a bowl of gumbo. Like a spontaneous, wild party thrown by your college roommate, Hound Dog Taylor creates a welcome racket that you can’t resist joining. Two of America’s roadhouse kingpins – Roy Buchanan and Delbert McClinton – create the definitive version of a Willie Dixon standard. New Orleans piano master, Professor Longhair, creates a party out of the great Louisiana pastime of cooking. Albert Collins and guests are represented via a track from the best-selling disc Showdown! Alligator’s varied roster of remarkable artists isn’t bursting with acoustic performers, yet Buddy Guy and Junior Wells prove acoustic blues can be rejuvenating. Although there was no room in the liner to list all the impressive sidemen on these sessions, they include: Billy Branch, Johnny B. Moore, Sammy Lawhorn, Pinetop Perkins, Abb Locke, Johnny B. Gayden, Ken Saydak, and countless others.

     Imagine the challenge to select which artists and songs would appear on this CD?! Iglauer decided to represent the whole history of the label, from the early artists to the current roster, but also visionary roots artists like JJ Grey and Anders Osborne. He also represented the rawest electric music and the subtlest acoustic music. Further, he included straight up blues but also included rock, soul, ballads, New Orleans R&B, and inspirational music. To ease the artist and song selection burden, Alligator consumers were encouraged to suggest songs via a contest on the label’s website . Many of the “most voted for” songs already were on other Anniversary Collections and thus were not used. In fact, none of the 38 songs appear on any previous Alligator Anniversary Collections. Of the better vote getters, the following made the final cut: “Have Blues, Will Travel” by Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King, “I Ain’t Drunk,” by Albert Collins, “Icicles In My Meatloaf” by Lil’ Ed, “Last Dirty Deal” by Coco Montoya,  “The Sun Is Shining Down”  by JJ Grey & Mofro, “T-Bone Shuffle” by Albert Collins, Robert Cray and Johnny Clyde Copeland, and “Echoes Of My Sins” by Anders Osborne.

     Driven with a fervent passion for music and using the same hard work ethic as its artists, Alligator Records has begun the careers of new stars (e.g., Corey Harris), rescued the careers of existing stars (e.g., Lonnie Mack), and ensured that the careers of living legends (e.g., James Cotton) continue to evolve. Alligator’s success is an inspiration for fans, artists, and individuals to continue to do what we love doing. Achieving 40 years in any business is worthy of a celebration. This collective body of works celebrates the legacy of their “Genuine Houserockin’ Music” artists. The 40^th Anniversary Collection will certainly introduce new blues fans to Alligator’s roster of artists and their countless styles.

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