(Blues) VA - Crucial Blues (9 CD) - (Alligator Records), MP3, 320 kbps

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and Bob DePugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Koko Taylor photo by Jaan Kirsmaa
Tracks from Crucial Chicago Blues appear on these albums:
1. Luther Allison
Reckless
ALCD 4849
Fireball electric blues from the sensational star of the blues world. The last studio album of his career. A scorcher. Grammy nominee and W.C. Handy Award winner as Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year. Released in 1997. Available in Europe on Ruf Records.
2. Koko Taylor
Royal Blue
ALCD 4873
The Queen Of The Blues holds court with a dizzying array of fellow blues royalty, including B.B. King, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Keb' Mo' and Johnnie Johnson. Koko's hardest rocking, most contemporary album. Grammy nominee. Released in 2000.
3. James Cotton, Junior Wells, Carey Bell and Billy Branch
Harp Attack!
ALCD 4790
Four of the world's greatest blues harp players meet head to head in a "blowdown" super-session. Tough, inventive harp plus an all-star band with Lucky Peterson. Essential for any harp fan. Released in 1990.
4. Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers
Natural Boogie
ALCD 4704
Pure, unadorned houserocking music from the slide guitar master and his powerhouse trio. Hound Dog used to say, "When I die, they'll say, 'He couldn't play shit, but he sure made it sound good.'" Released in 1974.
5. Son Seals
The Son Seals Blues Band
ALCD 4703
The raw 1973 debut album by one of the most exciting bluesmen of his generation. Searing, bare bones South Side blues with just keyboards, bass and drums.
6. Carey Bell
Deep Down
ALCD 4828
A master of the classic Chicago harmonica sound delivers a peak album. A veteran of both Muddy Waters' and Willie Dixon's bands, Carey's deep blues soul can be heard in every lick. A great band including Lurrie Bell. Released in 1995.
7. Magic Slim & The Teardrops
Raw Magic
ALCD 4728
Tough, no-frills blues from the South Side. Just two guitars, bass and drums pounding out the blues like they've been doing it for 30 years in Chicago. The band that took over Hound Dog's gig at Florence's - what more can we say? Released in 1982. Available in Europe on Isabel Records.
8. Lonnie Brooks
Live From Chicago- Bayou Lightning Strikes
ALCD 4759
Lonnie and his red-hot band cut live at one of the Windy City's top blues clubs. Three new tunes plus killer versions of his most-requested songs. Released in 1988.
9. Pinetop Perkins
from Living Chicago Blues, vols. 1-4
ALCD 7701-7704
An epic collection of recordings showcasing the cream of Chicago's previously unrecorded and underrecorded blues talent. Originally issued in the late 1970s on six LPs, every song
on this collection has been fit onto four CDs, each over an hour long.
10. Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
Heads Up!
ALCD 4886
In the great tradition of Chicago slide guitar boogie masters like Hound Dog Taylor and J.B. Hutto, Ed and the Imperials are back with their first studio album in three years. Raw, stripped-to-the-bone rocking blues delivered with unlimited energy. Released in 2002.
11. James Cotton
High Compression
ALCD 4737
The Alligator debut of the king of high-powered blues and boogie harmonica, backed by two terrific bands -- an all-star traditional blues band featuring Pinetop Perkins and Magic Slim, and his own funky touring group. Released in 1984.
12. Fenton Robinson
I Hear Some Blues Downstairs
ALCD 4710
Strikingly original songs, soaring guitar and rich vocals. Subtle, beautifully crafted performances that reveal more with each listen. Grammy nominee. Released in 1978.

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and Bob DePugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Luther Allison photo by Dave Leucinger
Tracks from Crucial Guitar Blues appear on these albums:
1. Luther Allison
Blue Streak
ALCD 4834
A powerhouse opus from one of the most exciting bluesmen of his generation. Fiery solos, soulful vocals, great band. A classic. Winner of five W.C. Handy Awards (including Contemporary Blues Album of the Year), and ten Living Blues Awards. Released in 1995. Available in Europe on Ruf Records.
2. Michael Burks
Make It Rain
ALCD 4878
A fresh blast of contemporary blues from a hot-wired Arkansas bluesman. Burks' Alligator debut is marked by blistering guitar and deep soul vocals on an exciting collection of raucous shuffles, funky workouts and simmering slow blues. Released in 2001.
3. Coco Montoya
Can't Look Back
ALCD 4885
Supercharged blues/rock from one of Alligator's most popular artists. Coco learned from the greats--Albert Collins and John Mayall--and went on to create his own searing sound and style. His huge vocals match his intense stringwork, both honed by years on the road. Released in 2002.
4. Albert Collins
Cold Snap
ALCD 4752
The Master of the Telecaster's final Alligator recording, and his favorite. Sparked by fantastic sidemen like Jimmy McGriff on organ, Mel Brown on guitar and the Uptown Horns. A Grammy nominee. Released in 1986.
5. Little Charlie & The Nightcats
Shadow Of The Blues
ALCD 4862
Jumping shuffles and straight-ahead blues, with a bit of humor thrown in. Wild guitar, fat harmonica, swinging grooves, great songwriting. Released in 1998.
6. Tinsley Ellis
Storm Warning
ALCD 4823
The rawest album from one of the South's favorite blues rockers. Cut live in the studio with his stripped-down, rocking road band, this album contains all the fire of his overwhelming live show. With Derek Trucks guesting. Released in 1994.
7. Roy Buchanan
Hot Wires
ALCD 4756
The late guitar genius' last album featured four new instrumentals plus outstanding vocals by soul shouter Johnny Sayles, blues belter Kanika Kress and Roy himself. With super band including Donald Kinsey on rhythm guitar. A must-buy for fans of wild guitar and soulful blues. Released in 1987.
8. Son Seals
Nothing But The Truth
ALCD 4822
A masterful album from a Chicago blues master. Four new Seals originals, plenty of his signature guitar, a tight, tough band. Over an hour of music, backed by an all-star band. Released in 1994.
9. Dave Hole
Ticket To Chicago
ALCD 4847
The Australian slide wildman travels to Chicago to jam with the cream of bluesmen like Billy Branch, Tony Z., Johnny B. Gayden and Ray "Killer" Allison. Dave's deepest blues playing, inspired by a simply great band. Released in 1997. Available on Provogue Records in Europe and Black Cat Records in Australia.
10. Lonnie Mack
Strike Like Lightning
ALCD 4739
Lonnie pioneered modern blues/rock guitar with tunes like Memphis and Wham! A ground-breaking, high-energy guitarist and soulful singer who hasn't slowed down a bit. Co-produced and with guest appearances by his #1 disciple, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Released in 1985.
11. Johnny Winter
Guitar Slinger
ALCD 4735
An American guitar legend debuted on Alligator with his bluesiest album. Cut with the cream of Chicago bluesmen, including Casey Jones on drums, Johnny B. Gayden on bass, Billy Branch on harmonica and Gene Barge on tenor sax. Released in 1984.
12. Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
Pressure Cooker
ALCD 4745
The lean, mean Texas swing blues master lets it rip. The cream of sessions that Gate cut in France in the mid '70s. Great sidemen include Jay McShann, Arnett Cobb and Milt Buckner. A Grammy nominee. Released in 1986. Licensed from Black & Blue Records

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and Bob DePugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Carey Bell photo by Dave Leucinger
Tracks from Crucial Harmonica Blues appear on these albums:
1. Charlie Musselwhite
Signature
ALCD 4801
Charlie breaks new ground, mingling his amazing harp and down home voice with a killer horn section, plus his red hot touring band and a guest appearance by John Lee Hooker. A Grammy nominee. Released in 1991.
2. Big Walter Horton with Carey Bell
ALCD 4702
The late blues harmonica master and his finest pupil teamed up on record only once, for an album of simply amazing harp playing. From swinging shuffles to slow acoustic tunes, this is everything a blues harp fan could ask for. With veteran Eddie Taylor on guitar. Released in 1972.
3. Billy Boy Arnold
Back Where I Belong
ALCD 4815
The return of the legendary harmonica giant from the 1950s Chicago blues scene. This was Billy's first recording in many years and shows why he was ranked with Junior Wells and Little Walter. A vital recording by a bluesman who is anything but over the hill. Released in 1993.
4. Sonny Terry with Johnny Winter, Willie Dixon and Styve Homnick
Whoopin'
ALCD 4734
The master of country blues harmonica meets the super-hot guitarist and the great blues bassist in a terrific supersession produced by Johnny Winter. Sonny Terry never made another record like this, playing in a hard Delta style with an all-star band. Released
in 1984.
5. James Cotton, Junior Wells, Carey Bell and Billy Branch
Harp Attack!
ALCD 4790
Four of the world's greatest blues harp players meet head to head in a "blowdown" super-session. Tough, inventive harp plus an all-star band with Lucky Peterson. Essential for any harp fan. Released in 1990.
6. Delbert McClinton
Live From Austin
ALCD 4773
The only live album by the King of the Texas Roadhouses. From raw rockers to soul ballads, Delbert's tough, road-tested voice fronts a driving band including five horns. One of our best sellers ever. Released in 1989.
7. Cephas & Wiggins
Somebody Told The Truth
ALCD 4888
Rollicking acoustic blues and ragtime from the internationally famed masters of the Piedmont style, rich in soulful authenticity.Gorgeous guitar and harmonica duets fueled by musical passion and their intuitive feel for each other's playing. Released in 2002.
8. Little Charlie & The Nightcats
That's Big!
ALCD 4883
California's jump blues masters' eighth album of swinging blues songs full of street-smart humor and terrific musicianship. Wild guitar, fat harmonica, jumping grooves, great songwriting. Released in 2002.
9. James Cotton
High Compression
ALCD 4737
The Alligator debut of the king of high-powered blues and boogie harmonica, backed by two terrific bands - an all-star traditional blues band featuring Pinetop Perkins and Magic Slim, and his own funky touring group. Released in 1984.
10. Carey Bell
Deep Down
ALCD 4828
A master of the classic Chicago harmonica sound delivers the peak album of his life. A veteran of both Muddy Waters' and Willie Dixon's bands, Carey's deep blues soul can be heard in every lick. A great band including Lurrie Bell. Released in 1995.
11. Sugar Blue
Blue Blazes
ALCD 4819
The pyrotechnic harmonica genius who's recorded and toured with everyone from
Willie Dixon to The Rolling Stones. High-energy, cutting-edge harp tinged with jazz, funk and rock. A power-packed slice of tomorrow's blues. Released in 1994. Available in Europe on Ruf Records.
12. William Clarke
Blowin' Like Hell
ALCD 4788
The late giant of West Coast blues harp, he learned from the legendary George "Harmonica" Smith and melded his huge harmonica tone with the swinging, jazzy California blues sound. Great songwriting, great vocals, fabulous harp. Released in 1990.

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and Bob DePugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Lonnie Brooks photos by Jim Quattrocki
TRACKS FROM CRUCIAL LIVE! BLUES APPEAR ON THESE ALBUMS:
1. Lonnie Mack
Live! Attack Of The Killer V ALCD 4786
Lonnie and his Gibson "Flying V" guitar deliver the only live album of his career. The great roadhouse rocker lets loose on blues, rock and R&B.; Live versions of classic songs from his 40-year career. Hear where SRV learned his stuff.
2. Albert Collins & The Icebreakers
Live In Japan ALCD 4733
One of two live albums that Albert cut for Alligator, Live In Japan features Albert at his searing peak, pouring out wild Texas-style guitar playing with his crack band, The Icebreakers.
3. Luther Allison
Live In Chicago ALCD 4869
The late, legendary blues firebrand returned home from Europe to Chicago to cut a fantastic two-CD live album, including this classic performance recorded at the Chicago Blues Festival.
4. Koko Taylor
Live From Chicago--An Audience With The Queen ALCD 4754
The Queen Of The Blues' only live CD, cut in front of a wild hometown crowd. Koko's giant voice and hot band stomp and wail through some of her best-loved songs.
5. Elvin Bishop
The Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Tour ALCD 107/8
Elvin, who has recorded five albums for Alligator, joined our 20th anniversary tour in 1992. Also appearing on this double CD are Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Katie Webster and Lil' Ed, creating an all-star blues extravaganza.
6. Little Charlie & The Nightcats
Captured Live ALCD 4794
The West Coast's masters of 'jumping blues,' combining hard-swinging guitar with Chicago style harmonica and some wonderful streetwise lyrics. This song allows Little Charlie to go wild on guitar.
7. Saffire--The Uppity Blues Women
Live & Uppity ALCD 4856
Saffire have won a huge, devoted audience with their collection of songs about love and life from a modern, uppity woman's point of view. This one features Ann Rabson's rollicking boogie piano.
8. Lonnie Brooks
Live From Chicago- Bayou Lightning Strikes ALCD 4759
The only live album from one of the legends of Chicago blues. Lonnie honed his music in Louisiana and Texas before bringing it to Chicago, and with his huge voice and soaring guitar, creates some of the city's most joyous blues.
9. James Cotton
Live From Chicago, Mr. Superharp Himself! ALCD 4746
Tutored by Sonny Boy Williamson, nurtured by Muddy Waters, James Cotton has been tearing up bandstands for almost 50 years with his high-powered 'super harp.' This CD of high-energy blues was nominated for a Grammy.
10. Son Seals
Live And Burning ALCD 4712
The first live album from one of Chicago's true blues masters. Cut in 1978 in the tiny Wise Fools Pub, this CD captures Son at his rawest. His hard-rocking band includes A.C. Reed on sax.
11. Delbert McClinton
Live From Austin ALCD 4773
The first live album by the King of the Texas Roadhouses. Raw rockers to soulful ballads recorded live for the Austin City Limits TV show.
12. Dave Hole
The Live One ALCD 4890
The only live album from the Australian slide guitar monster, cut in Chicago and Perth in front of wildly enthusiastic crowds. There is no one who puts steel on steel like Dave; his seven Alligator albums are packed with amazing guitar playing.
13. Hound Dog Taylor
Beware Of The Dog! ALCD 4707
The only non-bootleg live recording of the Windy City's raunchiest blues band. Just three pieces, but they could sure make a racket. This album is full of raw energy, deep blues and plenty of Hound Dog personality.

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and Bob DePugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Hound Dog photo by Jack Lardomita
Slide Photo by Peter Amft
TRACKS FROM CRUCIAL SLIDE GUITAR BLUES APPEAR ON THESE ALBUMS:
1. Johnny Winter
Guitar Slinger ALCD 4735
Johnny's Alligator debut paired him with some of Chicago's greatest bluesmen, including members of Albert Collins' Icebreakers. Johnny really got back to his roots with this Grammy-nominated album.
2. Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
Heads Up! ALCD 4886
Ultra-raw, raucous and wildly uninhibited, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials have sliced and diced bandstands around the world. Truly gritty Chicago blues, loads of fun, and 100% road-tested.
3. A.C. Reed
I'm In The Wrong Business! ALCD 4757
Bonnie joined her long-time friend, saxman A.C. Reed, for a duet on his only Alligator release. They've known each other since the '60s, when A.C. played with Junior Wells and Buddy Guy.
4. Luther Allison
Hound Dog Taylor: A Tribute ALCD 4855
The late Chicago blues firebrand joined 14 other world class slide players to pay tribute to his old pal Hound Dog Taylor. An essential album for any slide fan, including tracks by Gov't Mule, Magic Slim, George Thorogood and more.
5. Elvin Bishop
The Skin I'm In ALCD 4859
A beloved good-time musician whose career spans 40 years, Elvin still plays fantastic guitar and brings a rollicking spirit to every song. He's cut five albums for Alligator, each combining great musicianship with his inimitable 'good old boy' personality.
6. Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin
My Blues & My Guitar ALCD 4835
Tutored by the master, Muddy Waters, with whom he played for a decade, Bob has become one of the most creative and versatile of traditional bluesmen. No one plays Muddy-style slide like Bob.
7. Sonny Landreth
Hound Dog Taylor: A Tribute ALCD 4855
The Louisiana slide virtuoso joined 14 other slide-meisters to honor the late Hound Dog Taylor. Sonny's remarkable technique was let loose here; he played four different guitar parts!
8. The Kinsey Report
Smoke And Steel ALCD 4860
The three blues brothers from Gary, Indiana perform contemporary, ultra-modern blues with the searing intensity of the steel mills of their hometown. Visionary blues combined with their deep family roots in the Delta.
9. Michael Hill's Blues Mob
Have Mercy! ALCD 4845
A groundbreaking guitarist and songwriter from the South Bronx, Michael Hill fuses a post-Hendrix guitar sensibility with up-to-the-minute lyrics. Here he reaches back to pay tribute to one of the best-loved Chicago bluesmen, Hound Dog Taylor.
10. Corey Harris
Fish Ain't Bitin' ALCD 4850
Hailed as one of the new giants of the acoustic blues revival, Corey is equally skilled at reinterpreting blues classics and creating groundbreaking new cutting-edge songs. His three Alligator releases introduced a major new artist to the world.
11. Hound Dog Taylor
Genuine Houserocking Music ALCD 4727
The late six-fingered king of Chicago slide boogie was the very first Alligator artist. His ultra-cheap Japanese guitars, beat up amps, and three-piece (with no bass) band created the raunchiest blues in the Windy City.
12. Dave Hole
Ticket To Chicago ALCD 4847
The Australian slide guitar phenomenon has cut seven albums for Alligator, each featuring his amazing energy and wild slide technique. On Ticket To Chicago, Dave traveled to the Windy City to record with the best Chicago bluesmen.

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and Bob DePugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Johnny Winter photo by Terry Bert
TRACKS FROM CRUCIAL TEXAS BLUES APPEAR ON THESE ALBUMS:
1. Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
Standing My Ground ALCD 4779
Gate is a world-renowned master of swinging Texas-style electric blues guitar, and equally talented playing jazz, country and zydeco. His career has spanned over 50 years and he's still going strong.
2. Albert Collins, Robert Cray & Johnny Copeland
Showdown! ALCD 4743
This Grammy-winning album brought together Albert Collins and his two famous students, Johnny Copeland and Robert Cray, for a history-making super session. A soul-stirring, string-bending masterpiece.
3. Long John Hunter
Swinging From The Rafters ALCD 4853
Hard-driving, guitar-powered intensity from this West Texas legend. In the last few years, Long John, after decades in the gritty bars of El Paso, has become one of the Lone Star State's most popular bluesmen.
4. W.C. Clark
From Austin With Soul ALCD 4844
The Godfather of Austin Blues is famed for his guitar-driven shuffles, his hard-edged R&B and his sweet soul music. The former Stevie Ray Vaughan bandmate and teacher has taken his music all over the world and won a devoted following.
5. Katie Webster
No Foolin'! ALCD 4803
Sassy, two-fisted Houston piano queen Katie Webster was joined by her old pal, guitarist Lonnie Brooks, to revitalize this classic swamp pop tune. C.J. Chenier also guested on this CD.
6. Lonnie Brooks, Long John Hunter & Phillip Walker
Lone Star Shootout ALCD 4866
Along with their friend Lonnie Brooks, these masters of Gulf Coast blues reunited in 1999 for a joyful, no-holds-barred head-cutting contest, with each one trying to outplay and outsing the other.
7. Johnny Winter
3rd Degree ALCD 4748
The world famous Texas guitar wizard's third CD for Alligator included Dr. John on piano and Johnny's original Texas trio. Rough-edged vocals and fiery guitar with the speed of light.
8. Floyd Dixon
Wake Up And Live! ALCD 4841
Joyous new recordings from the creator of Hey Bartender and dozens of other 1940s and '50s jump blues classics. Swinging piano and sax music from this native of Marshall, Texas.
9. C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
Too Much Fun ALCD 4830
Zydeco is just as popular in East Texas as it is in Louisiana, and it's home to C.J. Chenier, the hard-rocking heir to the zydeco crown. Too Much Fun was his well-named Alligator debut, featuring great accordion, pulsating grooves and C.J.'s gorgeous voice.
10. Delbert McClinton
Live From Austin ALCD 4773
The first live album by the King of the Texas Roadhouses. Raw rockers to soulful ballads recorded live for the Austin City Limits TV show.
11. Marcia Ball
Presumed Innocent ALCD 4879
The Alligator debut by Austin's world famous singer/pianist. From rollicking Gulf Coast boogie to intense ballads, Marcia infuses every song with deep Texas soul.
12. Albert Collins
Cold Snap ALCD 4752
The Master of the Telecaster created a unique, powerhouse guitar style, pouring out torrents of icy, reverb-laden licks and then laying back to sing in his dry, humor-filled voice. One of the greatest bluesmen ever.

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and bob depugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Neal & Branch photo by Paul Natkin
tracks from more crucial guitar blues appear on these albums
1. Buddy Guy & Junior Wells
Alone And Acoustic
ALCD 4802
The world famous Chicago blues team got back to their roots with a set of rare acoustic recordings issued on Alligator in 1991. With their instinctive chemistry, Buddy and Junior reinvented blues classics and debuted six originals. Available in Europe on Isabel Records.
2. Lonnie Mack
Strike Like Lightning
ALCD 4739
Lonnie is famed for his groundbreaking electric guitar, but he loves to play acoustic blues, too. Here, he is joined in 1984 by his #1 disciple, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and his brother Billy McIntosh. Stevie is on the left, Lonnie in the middle, Billy on the right.
3. Carey & Lurrie Bell
Second Nature
ALCD 4898
Acoustic blues interplay bordered on telepathy as the famous father and son Chicago bluesmen dug deep to cut the most intimate recording of their careers. Veteran Carey’s harp playing is stunning while his son Lurrie’s guitar work is a revelation.
4. Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin
Down In The Alley
ALCD 4816
One of the torchbearers of the blues tradition, Bob was Muddy Waters’ protégé and lead guitarist. For his Gator debut, he called on guests including veteran R&B shouter Nappy Brown, to create a hard-core blues fan’s delight.
5. saffire–the uppity blues women
Hot Flash
ALCD 4796
The premier all-acoustic blues group in the world, these three straight-talking, proudly middle-aged women from Virginia know how to deliver the goods. This track features Ann Rabson’s two-fisted piano and raucous vocals on a blues classic.
6. Koko Taylor
Royal Blue
ALCD 4873
Rarely heard in an acoustic setting, The Queen of the Blues called upon her friend Keb’ Mo’ to help deliver some down-home Delta blues. This one really gets back to Koko’s Deep South roots.
7. John Jackson
Railroad Bill
ALCD 4867
The late John Jackson, from Virginia, was a master of lovely, folkie Tidewater blues. His music and songs were gentle, deep and subtle. Alligator had the honor of releasing the final album of his career.
8. Johnny Winter
3rd Degree
ALCD 4748
Although famous as an electric blues/rock guitarist, Johnny has a deep understanding of the Delta blues tradition. This recording captures him solo, playing dual National steel guitars through the magic of overdubbing.
9. Cephas & Wiggins
Homemade
ALCD 4863
Hailing from the Washington, D.C. area, John Cephas and Phil Wiggins carry on the Piedmont duet tradition of lyrical finger-picked guitar and romping harmonica. They’ve been playing this warm, relaxed blues style together for over 20 years.
10. Sonny Terry with johnny winter, willie dixon and styve Homnick
Whoopin’
ALCD 4734
In a rare band session, the famous master of acoustic Carolina country blues harmonica joined the guitar wizard and the famed Chicago blues bassist for a terrific super-session produced by Johnny.
11. Kenny Neal & Billy Branch
Double Take
ALCD 4894
Two of the finest younger generation bluesmen, Louisiana’s Kenny Neal and Chicago’s Billy Branch unplugged for this spirited acoustic blues album. They blend traditional blues feeling with a contemporary edge. Released in Europe on Isabel Records.
12. Corey Harris
Fish Ain’t Bitin’
ALCD 4850
A groundbreaking young blues giant, Corey is equally at home playing traditional slide guitar or plugging in and performing topical originals. Corey has three Alligator releases, moving from acoustic blues to aggressive, electrified socially-conscious funk.
13. Johnny Jones with Billy Boy Arnold
ALCD 4717
Best known for his recordings with Elmore James, Johnny Jones was one of the true greats of Chicago blues piano, but he died before the new blues audience had a chance to discover him. These rare, technically imperfect club recordings make up the only album by this keyboard giant.

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and bob depugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Coco Montoya photo by Robert Barclay
tracks from crucial Rockin’ blues appear on these albums
1. Coco Montoya
Dirty Deal
ALCD 4913
Mentored by Albert Collins and John Mayall, Coco Montoya has been burning up stages as a bandleader for a decade. His explosive guitar and huge voice have earned him a fanatical following and three Alligator albums.
2. Johnny Winter
Serious Business
ALCD 4742
A legend of rocking blues, Johnny cut three albums for Alligator with some of Chicago’s finest players. His lightning-fast Texas guitar and hoarse vocals are among the best-loved sounds in blues. This album was a Grammy nominee.
3. Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials
Rattleshake
ALCD 4909
Ultra-raw, raucous and wildly uninhibited, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials have sliced and diced bandstands around the world. Truly gritty Chicago blues, loads of fun, and 100% road-tested.
4. Lonnie Mack
Strike Like Lightning
ALCD 4739
Lonnie pioneered modern blues/rock guitar in the ‘60s with tunes like Memphis and Wham! His #1 disciple, Stevie Ray Vaughan, produced Lonnie’s Alligator debut album, with master and student playing side by side.
5. Dave Hole
Ticket To Chicago
ALCD 4847
After cutting five albums Down Under, the amazing Australian slide monster traveled to Chicago to jam with the cream of the city’s young bluesmen. Inspired by a great band, Dave delivered his deepest blues playing and finest vocals. Available in Europe on Provogue Records and in Australia on Black Cat.
6. Guitar Shorty
Watch Your Back
ALCD 4895
A fabled blues road warrior since the 1950s, Guitar Shorty debuted on Alligator in 2006. He pared his sound down to its vital, hard-edged essence--his blistering fretwork, powerhouse singing and infectious energy.
7. Tinsley Ellis
Live–Highwayman
ALCD 4904
A hard-rocking Atlanta-based fret-burner, Tinsley has built his terrific reputation the old-fashioned way—by playing hundreds of nights from coast to coast, igniting bandstands with his tough original songs.
8. The Holmes Brothers
Simple Truths
ALCD 4893
Blending passionate, gospel-inspired vocals with raw, energized playing, The Holmes Brothers have toured worldwide and recorded eight albums. They have found a magical way to meld blues, R&B, gospel and country together into one ragged, glorious sound.
9. Shemekia Copeland
Wicked
ALCD 4875
Shemekia’s awesome, powerhouse voice and charismatic stage presence have made her the #1 female blues artist of her generation. She cut the first of her four Alligator albums at the age of 17, and tours worldwide. This album was a Grammy nominee.
10. Lee Rocker
Racin’ The Devil
ALCD 4907
Beginning his career as the Stray Cats bassist, Lee has created a hard-driving take on heartland American roots music. He mixes feisty roots rock ‘n’ roll with infectious country twang, tough blues and blistering rockabilly. Available in Europe as The Curse Of Rockabilly on Hypertension Records.
11. Roy Buchanan
Hot Wires
ALCD 4756
The late fretmaster cut his last three albums for Alligator, cementing his status as one of the most amazing, pyrotechnic blues/rock guitarists ever. This track found him pulling out all the stops behind soul veteran vocalist Johnny Sayles on a Motown classic.
12. The Paladins
Let’s Buzz!
ALCD 4782
Honed by years of one-nighters, Southern California’s Paladins cut two albums for Alligator full of roots rock, swinging blues and wild rockabilly. Their music is soaked in sweat and full of energy.

Sampler production by Bruce Iglauer and bob depugh
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec
Albert Collins photo by Paul Natkin
tracks from more crucial guitar blues appear on these albums
1. Luther Allison
Reckless
ALCD 4849
Taking his fireball electric blues from the West Side of Chicago to Europe, the late Luther Allison became a sensational star of the blues world. The last four albums of his career appeared on Alligator Records (and on Ruf Records in Europe and Japan).
2. Michael Burks
I Smell Smoke
ALCD 4892
One of the blues’ brightest new stars, Michael Burks’ soaring guitar and storyteller's voice mark him as a new blues giant, and fans worldwide agree. He developed his intense sound as a boy, playing in his family’s juke joint deep in the Arkansas back woods.
3. Roomful Of Blues
Standing Room Only
ALCD 4900
Roomful of Blues is a beloved New England-based blues institution, blending horn-drenched big band swing and sweaty R&B workouts. Chris Vachon, the guitar slinger of the band, is featured here.
4. Albert Collins & The Icebreakers
Don’t Lose Your Cool
ALCD 4730
The legendary Master Of The Telecaster blended icy-hot Texas guitar, wry vocals, and one of the hardest-hitting blues bands in the world. He cut seven albums for Alligator that sealed his place as a blues immortal.
5. Son Seals
Midnight Son
ALCD 4708
Coming from Arkansas to Chicago, Son Seals’ scorching guitar, gruff voice, startling original songs and powerhouse live shows marked him as one of the blues masters of his generation.
6. Little Charlie & The Nightcats
Shadow Of The Blues
ALCD 4862
The stinging, swinging guitar of Little Charlie Baty and the great songwriting, vocals and harmonica of Rick Estrin, have made this California band one of the most popular touring blues groups in the country.
7. Lucky Peterson
Triple Play
ALCD 4789
A blues star since his childhood, Lucky literally grew up in his father’s blues bar in Buffalo. He’s a wildman on guitar and keyboards, and sings with amazing passion. Now based in Dallas, Lucky is a blues superstar in Europe.
8. Lonnie Brooks
Live From Chicago– Bayou Lightning Strikes
ALCD 4759
A legendary figure in Chicago blues, Lonnie Brooks boasts a 50-year career. His huge, soul-drenched voice, signature guitar and red-hot band have made him one of the Windy City’s most popular bluesmen.
9. Long John Hunter
Swinging From The Rafters
ALCD 4853
John started his career in the juke joints of East Texas and honed his music in the rough border clubs of El Paso. After decades playing locally, he burst onto the national scene in the 1990s, making a mark for himself as one of the archetypal Lone Star State bluesmen.
10. Kenny Neal
Bayou Blood
ALCD 4809
Raised by bayou bluesmen like his father, the late Raful Neal, and Slim Harpo, the charismatic Kenny Neal became one of the most exciting young guns of blues. Equally adept on guitar and harmonica, he’s been recording and touring since
he was a teenager.
11. Elvin Bishop
The Skin I’m In
ALCD 4859
A beloved good-time musician whose career spans 40 years, Elvin plays fantastic guitar and brings a rollicking spirit to every song. He cut five albums for Alligator, each combining great musicianship with his inimitable ‘good old boy’ personality.
12. W.C. Clark
Deep In The Heart
ALCD 4897
The Godfather of Austin Blues, W.C. Clark was a mentor to the whole Austin scene, including former band mate Stevie Ray Vaughan. His music is a potent mix of gritty Texas blues guitar and intoxicating Memphis soul vocals.