Heads Up! [CD]

They've been called "the world's #1 houserockin' band," and there's a good reason. For the last sixteen years, Lil' Ed And The Blues Imperials have been pounding out some of the rawest, roughest, toughest boogie and blues that can be heard anywhere. On bandstands across the U.S.A. and around the world, they carry on in the great Chicago tradition of Hound Dog Taylor, Elmore James, and Ed and Pookie's mentor and uncle, the late J.B. Hutto. Their wild shows have won them a legion of loyal fans, who proudly call themselves Ed Heads.

There's an almost telepathic communication between these musicians. Ed and his brother Pookie have been playing together since they were kids. Mike and Kelly first played with Ed fourteen years ago. Paul, who sat in on three tunes on this album, is stepping in as the newest Blues Imperial, and the band is now touring with a three-guitar front line. 

 Like all of Ed's recordings, this album was cut live in the studio, with only a tiny bit of overdubbing. It was recorded in just three short days, and there were so many terrific performances that we had to leave a few on the shelf for next time. The songs poured out fast and furious, and the energy never flagged, just like the band's houserockin' live shows. So, heads up! If you're not yet an official Ed Head, this album will certainly make you one.

--Bruce Iglauer