Big Ups once again to Chicago's Alligator Records label supremo Bruce Iglauer. Alligator recently celebrated 45 years documenting and delivering on the ongoing tradition of the Windy City's blues musicians.
The journey started out with a shoestring budget and the debut album by the legendary Hound Dog Taylor.
In this latest album by Lil' Ed and the Imperials that tradition is maintained, but with an originality and passion that's reminiscent of the Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf golden era.
Iglauer obviously has a soft spot for Ed Williams and his band as this is his is ninth Alligator release and a relationship that began in 1986.
There's a no frills and typically gritty approach to the blues happening here, whether Ed is playing stinging lead breaks or delivering an Elmore James twang on slide.