Crucial ... and affordable

From the Spring 2004 issue.

Chicago-based Alligator Records has always been good at getting the most out of its recorded output. Through its "Genuine Houserockin' Music" series to its various anniversary compilations, Alligator has rewarded blues fans with budget-priced samplers. Last year, the label took the concept a step further with the introduction of its "Crucial Blues" series, themed releases that focused on guitarists, harp players and Chicago acts.

Three new "Crucial Blues" collections arrived in late February, this time featuring slide guitarists, Texas blues performers and live recordings, and all priced at under $8.

"Crucial Live Blues" is particularly impressive with its diversity of acts. The set leans more toward the label's signature "Houserockin'" sound, with solid performances from Lonnie Mack, Albert Collins, Koko Taylor and James Cotton. But the highlight is Luther Allison's slow-burning "Cherry Red Wine," eight-plus minutes of painful blues recorded at the Chicago Blues Festival and a showcase for Allison's guitar mastery.

"Crucial Texas Blues" shows that the Lone Star State sound goes well beyond the blues-rock popularized by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Sure there's some of that to be found on such cuts as W.C. Clark's "Midnight Hour Blues" and Johnny Winter's "Tin Pan Alley." But there's also some accordion work from zydeco standout C.J. Chenier, some classic R&B from Delbert McClinton and a helping of Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown's swinging take on the blues.

The theme alone suggests a certain monotony on "Crucial Slide Guitar Blues." That's not helped by the inclusion of a cut from Hound Dog Taylor & the HouseRockers along with two songs from a Taylor tribute album – Luther Allison's "Give Me Back My Wig" and Sonny Landreth's "Taylor's Rock." Of course, Taylor and his music are deserving, especially since he's the performer who prompted Bruce Iglauer to launch Alligator. Nevertheless, saxman A.C. Reed's duet with Bonnie Raitt on "She's Fine," a smoking cut from Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials and Corey Harris' acoustic slide work on "Jack O'Diamonds" are three other good reasons to pick this one up along with the other two releases.

Review by Don Weiner. Don is a writer and editor based in Scottsdale, Ariz.