Music Review: The Big Sound of Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials

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.

You have to hand it to Ed on the lyrics front, as he works hard and successfully to break out of blues clichés and create his own stamp of originality.

It's no surprise to learn Lil' Ed's guitar style was heavily influenced by both Elmore and his uncle J.B. Hutto.

Throw in a really cooking band in the Blues Imperials, Mike Garrett on rhythm guitar, James "Pookie" Young bass, drummer Kelly Littleton and special guest of keyboards, Sumito "Ariyo" Ariyoshi.

If you can't afford the airfare to Chicago to soak up the music in the blues clubs of the South or West Side, no matter, the Big Sound of Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials with 14 tracks of mostly originals from Ed Williams will do just fine.

Rating: 4/5 stars.