Music Review: Alligator Records 45th Anniversary Collection

Back in August 1971 fledgling independent record producer Chicago's Bruce Iglauer launched his new Alligator label with a gritty up tempo session romp by three piece Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers.

Now Iglauer and his crew are celebrating 45 years and nearly 300 albums under the Alligator banner.

That is a major achievement in any terms, as independent record labels, even the ones who gained fame and fortune, rarely make it to a 20-year milestone, let alone 45 years.

So a monumental release from Alligator, something they've done every five years, and without repeating any tracks from earlier compilations.

The line-up of blues and allied genres is a who's who of the music today and over the years. Names like Mavis Staples, Son Seals, Charlie Musselwhite, harp-man Carey Bell and guitarist singer son Laurie, Koko Taylor, James Cotton, Albert Collins, sax royalty AC Reed, Johnny Winter, Lazy Lester and Hound Dog make up the traditional Chicago blues contingent.

The next generation of blues and soul-blues are equally important to Alligator's longevity and their music is fresh, new and packed with passion.

Roomful of Blues, Michael "Iron Man" Burk, the immensely talented Curtis Salgado, the Kentucky Headhunters, Smokin' Joe Kubek, Luther Allison, the Holmes Brothers, Guitar Shorty, JJ Grey & Mofro and Jarekus Singleton show the way for Alligator's present and future.

Basically the message is stunning with a massive 37 tracks across two albums. Alligator Records' 45th Anniversary Collection is top shelf blues and another great intro to the artists that make up this highly successful independent label.