Crucial Guitar Blues [CD]

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.