More Crucial Guitar Blues [CD]

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.