Alligator Prepares Double Release

Alligator Records has set an August 26 street date for ORANGE BLOSSOMS, the new studio album from Jacksonville, Florida-based guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist/songwriter JJ Grey and his band Mofro, and FULL TILT, the seventh Alligator release from Chicago-based houserocking band, Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials. ORANGE BLOSSOMS is a masterpiece of down-home, soul-shaking music. FULL TILT is simply the rawest, truest, most electrifying blues being made today.

From raw, swampy funk to deep soul, blues and rock, JJ Grey and Mofro deliver devastating live and recorded performances. JJ comes from a long tradition of Southern storytellers, and his songs often use the loss of his natural surroundings and the marginalization of Southern culture as a metaphor for universal truths. His multi-textured music overflows with dynamic rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. Debuting in 2001 with BLACKWATER, following up in 2004 with LOCHLOOSA (both albums reissued by Alligator in 2007), Grey steadily built an intensely loyal following through constant touring. In 2007, with his first Alligator release, COUNTRY GHETTO, Grey reached an even larger audience, doubling both his album sales and his concert attendance. Now, with his new album, ORANGE BLOSSOMS, JJ Grey takes another giant step forward.

ORANGE BLOSSOMS, produced by long-time cohort Dan Prothero and Grey, was recorded in north Florida and boasts some of Grey’s most profound and moving music to date. The album features 12 songs (including 11 Grey originals) inspired by Grey’s life experiences and visionary observations. With long-time friend and guitarist Daryl Hance, bassist/organist Adam Scone, drummer Anthony Cole, and the Hercules Horns of saxophonist Art Edmaiston and trumpeter Dennis Marion, Grey moves effortlessly from gospel-tent fervor to Southern-fried rockers to deeply emotional soul. ORANGE BLOSSOMS is a groove-driven masterpiece fueled by JJ’s gritty, smoldering vocals and intense, funk-infused guitar and keyboard work.

Slide guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Lil’ Ed Williams is an awe-inspiring master bluesman. He and his blistering, road-tested band, The Blues Imperials – guitarist Mike Garrett, bassist James “Pookie” Young and drummer Kelly Littleton – are celebrating 20 amazing years together. Produced by Williams and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer, FULL TILT captures all of Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials’ legendary live energy on disc. From foot-stomping boogies to emotionally charged slow blues to rocked out celebrations, FULL TILT is a party-inducing delight. The addition of horn players Eddie McKinley and David Basinger and pianist/organist Johnny Iguana on a few songs add even more punch and power to the proceedings.

Lil’ Ed boasts a direct bloodline to blues history—his uncle and musical mentor was the great Chicago slide guitarist, songwriter and recording artist J.B. Hutto. According to The Chicago Tribune, “Williams represents one of the few remaining authentic links to the raucous, pure Chicago blues.” Live, Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials simply can’t be beat as Ed breaks out the deepest back-bends, the highest toe-walks, and the most authentic electric slide-guitar blues being played today. Adding to the legend is Ed’s storybook rise, taking him from working in a car wash to entertaining thousands of fans all over the world. In 2006 he made multiple appearances on Late Night With Conan O’Brien (including a hilarious film with Lil’ Ed teaching Conan how to play the blues) culminating with Lil’ Ed on stage jamming with O’Brien in front of a television audience in the millions.

The Washington Post describes Williams’ music as “contagious wildness.” The Philadelphia Inquirer expresses it as “raucous and hugely entertaining.” But no matter how you describe it, Lil’ Ed’s seriously inspired music will take you on a fast trip from your chair to your feet. Now, with FULL TILT and a schedule that will take the band on another non-stop tour across the country and across the ocean, Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials will continue to rip, roar, rock, roll, bend and fully tilt into the hearts, minds, souls and dancing shoes of Ed Heads all around the world.

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