West Side Strut

Order from Alligator

Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater - Came Up The Hard Way

Charlie Musselwhite: Guitar, Vocals and Harmonica 
Ricky “Quicksand” Martin: Drums* 
Barry Bays: acoustic standup Bass*  

Produced by Gary Vincent and Henri Musselwhite 
Recorded at Clarksdale SoundStage, Clarksdale, MS 
Recorded and Mixed by Gary Vincent 
CD mastered by Gary Vincent and Bob Olhsson 
Sequenced by Eric Conn 
Photos by Rory Doyle
Design by Kevin Niemiec 
Executive Producer: Henri Musselwhite  

www.charliemusselwhite.com  

Thanks to Paula and Paul Jackson at Rest Haven Restaurant, Roger Stolle at the Cat Head store, Bubba O’Keefe at Clarksdale, MS Tourism, Bill Talbot at the Shack Up Inn, Hal Lansky at Lansky Bros. Clothier in Memphis, Carol and Gary Vincent, Bill Bowker, Janette Burton, Deak Harp, Ronnie Drew, Billy Landes, Toni and Virgil Conway, BlowsMeAway Productions harmonica mics and Shelley Ritter at the Delta Blues Museum. Charlie plays Seydel Harmonicas exclusively.   

As a child growing up in Memphis, I was first attracted to the field holler blues I heard along Cypress Creek in my neighborhood. A few years later led me to the country blues players I heard on guitar in my neighborhood, in downtown Memphis and on Beale Street. And I haven’t stopped being attracted to this style of guitar some call country blues.   

When I was 13 my dad gave me his old Supertone guitar. I was already fooling around with playing blues on harmonica, but I loved the sound of acoustic blues guitar, too. I clearly remember sitting in my bedroom in my mom’s house and making an E chord on that guitar and then putting my little finger down to turn that E chord into an E7 chord. And when I played that chord with the blue note added and heard that for the first time, something inside me went “ahhhhhhhhhhh....” That ol’ E7 chord grabbed me and I knew I had to have more of THAT!!  

In my teens I started hanging out on Beale Street...the original Beale Street...not the tourist trap Beale Street of today...I got to see and hear street singers singing and playing the real blues. Eventually I got to know some of the old time blues men like Furry Lewis, Will Shade, Willie Borum and Earl Bell. I learned a lot just sitting around and jamming with them I had no idea that I was preparing myself for a career or I would’ve paid a LOT more attention. I thought I was just having fun learning the blues. I loved the blues and I just HAD to play them. So, this is the music I love and I hope you’ll enjoy it, too. My heart is definitely in it.

Mississippi Son

Buy or Stream

Charlie Musselwhite - In Your Darkest Hour

The Cash Box Kings are: 
Joe Nosek: Harmonica, Vocals (5,9), Acoustic Guitar (9)
Oscar Wilson: Vocals 
Billy Flynn: Lead Guitar, Baritone Guitar (5) 
Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith: Drums (1,4,7,8) 
John W. Lauler: Upright and Electric Bass 
Lee Kanehira: Piano, Organ   

With Special Guests:
Deitra Farr: Vocals (4)
John Nemeth: Vocals (10)
Shoji Naito: Rhythm Guitar (1,4,7,8), Kick Drum (3) 
Andrew Diehl: Rhythm Guitar (5,6,9,10,11) 
Derek Hendrickson: Drums (5,9,10,11) 
Alex Hall: Drums (2,6) 
Cameron Webb: Vocals (6) 
Xavier Lynn: Rhythm Guitar (2) 
Jon McDonald: Guitar (3)  

The C-Note Horns: 
Al Falaschi: Tenor and Baritone Saxophones (2,5) 
Jim Doherty: Trumpet (2)  

Produced by Joe Nosek 
Recorded by Alex Hall at Reliable Recorders/Hi-Style Studio, Chicago, IL 
Mixed by Alex Hall and Bruce Iglauer 
Mastered by Collin Jordan and Bruce Iglauer at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL 
Design by Kevin Niemiec 
Band Photos by Janet Mami Takayama 
Other Photos by SBT4NOW (cover), Dylan Fout (back cover) and Jo Naylor (door)  

This album is dedicated to all the frontline workers who worked selflessly throughout the pandemic to care for others. Those workers include our wives Kristina Espinoza, Felicia Wilson, Mary Flynn, and Holly Smith.  

The CBKs tip their crowns to the following: Danny Person, Sarah Lauler, Kaitlyn Hendrickson, Donna McNeil, Juan and Lydia Espinoza, Deitra Farr, Dr. Eugene Kwon & Dr. Stanley Stish and the Mayo Clinic Oncology Staff, John Hahn, Dave Sawtelle, Sue Moore, Eric Simpson, Koki Kanehira, Jon Penner, Steve Jones and the Crossroads Blues Society, Mike McCann, Al Rasho, Tom McCarty, Dave Specter, Marc Maddox and the crew at Buddy Guy’s Legends, Greg Guy, Dave Specter and SPACE, FitzGerald’s, Doug and Cheryl Lewis, Tony, Jennifer & the crew at Rosa’s Lounge, Jimmy Voegeli, Linda Cain, Merideth Colby, and Karen Murphy. The CBKs also want to express their royal gratitude to Bruce Iglauer and the entire Alligator staff for all their support. You guys are the BEST.  

Oscar Wilson would like to give thanks to his parents Harvey & Maxine Wilson. RIHP!

The Cash Box Kings

Oscar's Motel

The Cash Box Kings - Trying So Hard

All songs by Chris O’Leary, Lawn Dog Music, admin. by Eyeball Music, BMI

1. No Rest
2. Lost My Mind
3. Ain't That A Crime
4. My Fault
5. I Cry At Night
6. Things Ain't Always What They Seem
7. Lay These Burdens Down
8. Need For Speed
9. You Break It, You Bought It
10. Who Robs A Musician?
11. Funly Little Club On Decatur
12. Love's For Sale

Produced by Chris O’Leary
All tracks recorded by Dan Vitarello at Cupola Studios, Ridgefield, CT except as noted
I Cry At Night recorded by Chris Peet at Man O’War Studios, West Palm Beach, FL.
Additional recording by Dan Vitarello at Cupola Studios
Things Ain’t Always What They Seem recorded by Will Bryant and Lee Falco at The Building, Marlboro, NY.
Mixed by Blaise Barton and Bruce Iglauer at Joyride Studios, Chicago, IL
Mastered by Collin Jordan and Bruce Iglauer at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL
Photos by Paul Natkin, Photo Reserve
Packaging by Kevin Niemiec
Executive Producer: Bruce Iglauer

Chris O’Leary: Vocals and Harmonica, Guitar (1), Bass (9)
Chris Vitarello: Guitar (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
Greg Gumpel: Guitar (4, 6), Slide Guitar (11, 12)
Monster Mike Welch: Guitar (5)
Jesse O’Brien: Piano (1, 2, 4), Organ (1, 3)
Brooks Milgate: Piano (6, 8, 9, 11, 12)
Jeremy Baum: Piano (5, 10), Organ (5, 10)
Andy Huenerberg: Bass (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Matt Raymond: Bass (6)
Dan Vitarello: Drums (1, 3, 8, 9. 12)
Michael Bram: Drums (2, 4, 7, 10, 11), Percussion (4, 7, 10, 11)
Andrei Koribanics: Drums (5)
Ray Hangen: Drums (6)
Andy Stahl: Tenor Sax (1,5, 6)
Ron Knittle: Baritone Sax (1, 5)
Darren Sterud: Trombone (11)
Nick Bartell: Saxophones (11)
Chris Difrancesco: Baritone Sax (6)
Libby Cabello: Background Vocals (6)
Willa Vincitore: Background Vocals (6)

Mike Welch appears courtesy of Gulf Coast Records

This recording is dedicated to the loving memory of Christine Powers.

The Hard Line

Chris O'Leary - Who Robs A Musician?

Chris O'Leary - Lay These Burdens Down

Toronzo Cannon: Guitars, Vocals, Percussion and Handclaps 
Brian Quinn: Electric and Upright Bass 
Cole DeGenova: Piano, Organ, Nord and Clavinet 
Jason “Jroc” Edwards: Drums 
Phillip “Dante” Burgess, Jr.: Drums on “Him” and “Had To Go Through It”  
Matthew Skoller: Harmonica on “My Woman Loves Me Too Much”  

Produced by Toronzo Cannon and Bruce Iglauer 
Recorded and mixed by Blaise Barton at Joyride Studios, Chicago, IL 
Additional mixing by Brian Leach 
Mastered by Collin Jordan, Bruce Iglauer and Toronzo Cannon at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL 
Photo by Sandro Miller 
Design by Kevin Niemiec  

I’d like to thank the Creator, my Ancestors and my Family for making me the man I am today. Thanks to all my fans and friends of my music. “Right on” to the very talented musicians on this album; your dedication is recognized. Big shout out to Alligator Records and Bruce mf’n Iglauer for taking a chance on a bus-driving BluesMan and putting my songs into the universe for all to hear. To Mike Wheeler and Al Spears—thank y’all for talking me off the ledge many times.   

Toronzo Cannon endorses: the Cannon Fuzz/Octave pedal by Function-fx; Wide Sky Guitars, Erik Betti Guitars, GTR Guitars built by Roger Lambrechts, Victoria Amplifiers and DR Strings.   

toronzocannon.com

Shut Up & Play!

Toronzo Cannon - Can't Fix The World

Over 78 minutes of Koko Taylor’s best from her long career at Alligator Records.  Koko was the preeminent blues woman in the world – the undisputed Queen of the Blues.  With her huge, gritty voice and the backing of her powerhouse band, The Blues Machine, she delivered touch Chicago blues over a 45-year career, ending with her death in 2009.  Koko won just about every award the blues world had to offer, including 29 Blues Music Awards (more than any other artist).  Seven of her last eight Alligator albums received Grammy nominations.  Highlights include Wang Dang Doodle, I’m A Woman, Ernestine and Let The Good Times Roll.

The Best Of Koko Taylor

Order from iTunes

Koko Taylor - Born Under A Bad Sign feat. Buddy Guy

Koko Taylor - I'm A Woman

The absolute cream of James Cotton’s Alligator recordings.  With his huge, blast-furnace sound, larger-than-life personality, and massive frame, Grammy Award-winning harmonica master James “Superharp” Cotton is a blues giant in every respect.  Cotton has been performing professionally since the age of nine and learned directly from the masters – he toured in the bands of Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.  He launched his solo career in the 1960s, releasing almost 30 albums and touring worldwide since then.  This collection has over 75 minutes of music, and features studio and live solo material, plus songs from Harp Attack!, Cotton’s history-making collaboration with Junior Wells, Carey Bell and Billy Branch. 

The Best Of James Cotton - The Alligator Records Years

James Cotton - Black Night

James Cotton - Little Car Blues Feat. Junior Wells

Over 90 minutes of crucial houserockin’ blues from Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials.  Lil’ Ed Williams carries on the ultra-raw bottleneck blues tradition of Chicago.  From smoking slide guitar boogies to romping shuffles to the deepest slow blues, Williams is a true bluesman.  He’s a wildman guitarist, a remarkably gritty and soulful vocalist, and a songwriter who combines the toughest blues emotions with a great sense of humor.  Along with his blistering, road-tested band, the Blues Imperials, Lil’ Ed has been tearing up clubs and festival stages all over the world for nearly 30 years, with no signs of slowing down.  This Best Of includes fan favorites Chicken, Gravy & Biscuits, Pride & Joy, Midnight Rider, Icicles In My Meatloaf and 16 more!

The Best Of Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials

Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials - Nobody's Fault But My Own

Ronnie Baker Brooks, Vocals and Electric Guitar
Will McFarlane, Rhythm Guitar
Dave Smith, Bass
Steve Potts, Drums
With
Lonnie Brooks, Vocal (2)
Rick Steff, Electric Piano (3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12)
Clayton Ivey, Hammond B3 Organ (4, 5, 8, 9, 10)
Brad Quinn, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone (5, 8)
Drew White, Trumpet (5, 8)
Trenicia Hodges and Kimberlie Helton, Background Vocals (9)

All songs by Rodney Dion Baker, Ronnie Brooks Music, BMI, except All True Man, by Rodney Dion Baker, Ronnie Brooks Music, BMI and Todd Park Mohr, Todd Park Mohr Publishing, BMI, admin. by Bug Music

Produced by Jim Gaines
Recorded and mixed by Jim Gaines at Bessie Blue Studios, Pickwick Dam, TN
Additional Recording by Jimmy Nutt at The Nutt House, Muscle Shoals, AL
Mastered by Collin Jordan, Bruce Iglauer and Ronnie Baker Brooks at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL
Photography by Paul Natkin
Cover Design by Kevin Niemiec
Booking by Tom Gold at Concerted Efforts (Tom@Concertedefforts.com)
Management:  John Boncimino  Mbmanage@Aol.Com

www.RonnieBakerBrooks.com     
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ronniebbrooksmusic
X: @ronniebbrooks
Instagram: ronnie_baker_brooks

Blues In My DNA

Ronnie Baker Brooks - Robbing Peter To Pay Paul

Ronnie Baker Brooks - All True Man

Ronnie Baker Brooks - Accept My Love

Ronnie Baker Brooks - My Love Will Make You Do Right

Ronnie Baker Brooks - Lonnie Brooks' Blessing

Ronnie Baker Brooks - I'm Feeling You

Closer To The Bone

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers - Woke Up And Smelled The Coffee

God Don't Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson

Tom Waits - The Soul Of A Man

Sinead O'Connor - Trouble Will Soon Be Over

Alligator Records 45th Anniversary Collection

Mavis Staples - Will The Circle Be Unbroken

Hard Truth

Buy from Amazon

Coco Montoya - I Want To Shout About It

Coco Montoya - Before The Bullets Fly

Shemekia Copeland was born in Harlem, New York on April 10, 1979, and came to her singing career naturally. Her bluesman father recognized his daughter's talent early on. He always encouraged her to sing at home and even brought her on stage to sing at Harlem's famed Cotton Club when she was just eight. At that time Shemekia's embarrassment outweighed her desire to sing. But when she was 15 and her father's health began to slow him down, she received the calling. "It was like a switch went off in my head," recalls Shemekia, "and I wanted to sing. It became a want and a need. I had to do it." 

At 16, Shemekia joined her father on his tours after he was diagnosed with a degenerative heart condition. Soon enough Shemekia was opening, and sometimes even stealing, her father's shows. "She grabbed the crowd with her powerful voice, poised and intense," raved Blues Revue at the time. Eventually, though, it became clear to Shemekia who was helping whom. "Dad wanted me to think I was helping him out by opening his shows when he was sick, but really, he was doing it all for me. He would go out and do gigs so I would get known. He went out of his way to get me that exposure," recalls Shemekia. 

Shemekia stepped out of her father's shadow in 1998 with her groundbreaking debut CD, Turn The Heat Up, recorded when she was only 18. Critics from around the world celebrated her music as fans of all ages agreed that an unstoppable new talent had arrived. News outlets from the New York Times to CNN took note of Copeland's talent, engaging personality, and true star power. "Nothing short of uncanny," said the Village Voice. "She roars with a sizzling hot intensity," added the Boston Globe. 

Copeland followed up with 2000's Grammy-nominated Wicked, 2002's Talking To Strangers (produced by Dr. John) and 2008's The Soul Truth (produced by Steve Cropper). In that short period of time, she earned eight Blues Music Awards, a host of Living Blues Awards (including the prestigious 2010 Blues Artist Of The Year) and more accolades from fans, critics and fellow musicians. Two highly successful releases on Telarc (including 2012's Grammy-nominated 33 1/3) cemented her reputation as a singer who, according to NPR's All Things Considered, "embodies the blues with her powerful vocal chops and fearless look at social issues." USA Today says, "Copeland is a singer with fervor and funk, power and range." 

Copeland has performed thousands of gigs at clubs, festivals and concert halls all over the world and has appeared on national television, NPR, and in newspapers, films and magazines. She is a mainstay on countless commercial and non-commercial radio stations. She's sung with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, James Cotton and many others. She opened for The Rolling Stones and entertained U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait. Jeff Beck calls her "f*cking amazing." Santana says, "She's incandescent…a diamond." At the 2011 Chicago Blues Festival, the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois officially declared Copeland to be "The New Queen Of The Blues." In 2012, she performed at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama. Afterward, Jagger (with whom she sang) sent her a bottle of champagne.

Turn The Heat Up - Copeland Shemekia

Turn The Heat Up

Shemekia Copeland - Married to the Blues

Lil' Ed Williams: Guitar and Vocals
Mike Garrett: Guitar and Background Vocals
(solos on Empty House Tour and Four Leaf Clover)
James "Pookie" Young: Bass and Background Vocals
Kelly Littleton: Drums
with Paul Buschbacher : Rhythm Guitar on Empty House Tour, Four Leaf Clover and My Mind Is Gone (left channel)

Produced by Ed Williams and Bruce Iglauer
Recorded and mixed by Rick Barnes at Rax Trax, Chicago, IL
Recording assistance by Jay Zdyrski
Mastered by Dan Stout and Bruce Iglauer at Colossal Mastering, Chicago, IL
Photos by Paul Natkin/Photo Reserve
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec

Ed thanks: My Lord And Savior, Jesus Christ; Pam Williams; Bruce and the whole 
  Alligator Gang; Washburn Guitars; and Ben Bottino.  Special thanks to Deanna Price.
Mike thanks: Denny and Jan; Sue and T; Mona Lisa; Juliana W; Deidre Scott; Mimi   
  Armstrong; Joe Charles; Hix Bros. Music; Don Johnson of Fender Musical  
  Instruments; and Gil Piney of Gibson Guitars.
Pookie thanks: My father, James Young, Sr.; my wife Renee for putting up with 
  me for 17 years; Charon; Jamice; Allen; Willie; and Sabrina.
Kelly thanks: Sarah Bortt; Bonnie Zack and Sanford; Urban Djin; and Smokedaddy.

Lil' Ed And The Blues Imperials are booked by Intrepid Artists
Phone: (704) 358-4777  E-mail: staff@intrepidartists.com


LINER NOTES
They've been called "the world's #1 houserockin' band," and there's a good reason. For the last sixteen years, Lil' Ed And The Blues Imperials have been pounding out some of the rawest, roughest, toughest boogie and blues that can be heard anywhere. On bandstands across the U.S.A. and around the world, they carry on in the great Chicago tradition of Hound Dog Taylor, Elmore James, and Ed and Pookie's mentor and uncle, the late J.B. Hutto. Their wild shows have won them a legion of loyal fans, who proudly call themselves Ed Heads.

There's an almost telepathic communication between these musicians. Ed and his brother Pookie have been playing together since they were kids. Mike and Kelly first played with Ed fourteen years ago. Paul, who sat in on three tunes on this album, is stepping in as the newest Blues Imperial, and the band is now touring with a three-guitar front line. 

 Like all of Ed's recordings, this album was cut live in the studio, with only a tiny bit of overdubbing. It was recorded in just three short days, and there were so many terrific performances that we had to leave a few on the shelf for next time. The songs poured out fast and furious, and the energy never flagged, just like the band's houserockin' live shows. So, heads up! If you're not yet an official Ed Head, this album will certainly make you one. 

--Bruce Iglauer

Heads Up! - Lil' Ed And The Blues Imperials

Heads Up!

Black Night

Kingfish

Kingfish - It Ain't Right

Kingfish feat. Buddy Guy - Fresh Out

Hail To The Kings!

All Hail The Kings!

Sugar Daddy

Roots And Branches — The Songs Of Little Walter

Blue And Lonesome

Nick Moss: Lead Guitar, Vocals (except as shown) and Background Vocals 
Dennis Gruenling: Harmonica, Vocals on “Movin’ On My Way” and “Wait And See” and Background Vocals 
Taylor Streiff: Piano, Hammond B-3, Wurlitzer and Background Vocals   
Rodrigo Mantovani: Upright and Electric Bass and Background Vocals 
Patrick Seals: Drums and Background Vocals  

with Kid Andersen Rhythm Guitar on “Lucky Guy” and “Me And My Friends,” Rhythm Guitar and Second Solo on “Movin’ On My Way,” Baritone Guitar on “Tell Me There’s Nothing Wrong” and Mandolin on “Simple Minded” 
“Monster” Mike Welch Lead Guitar on “The Comet”  

Produced by Kid Andersen and Nick Moss 
Recorded and mixed by Kid Andersen at Greaseland Studios, San Jose, CA 
Assistant engineer: Robby Yamilov 
Mastered by Collin Jordan and Bruce Iglauer at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL 
Photos by Chris Monaghan 
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec

Management & Booking: 
Brad Stewart
Stewart Entertainment
brad@stewartentertainment.net
www.stewartentertainment.net

www.facebook.com/nickmossmusic
twitter.com/nickmossband
www.instagram.com/nickmossband
www.youtube.com/user/OfficialNickMoss
www.bandsintown.com/NickMossBand

Lucky Guy

The Nick Moss Band - Sanctified, Holy And Hateful

Tinsley Ellis: Guitars and Vocals
Kevin McKendree: Organ, Pianos
Steve Mackey: Bass
Lynn Williams: Drums and Percussion

Produced by Tinsley Ellis and Kevin McKendree
Recorded and mixed by Kevin McKendree at The Rock House, Franklin, TN
Assistant Engineer: Yates McKendree
Mastered by Jim Demain at Yes Master Studios, Nashville, TN
Cover photo by Marilyn Stringer

Booking: Rachel Doe, Crossover Touring, (404) 793-7023
crossovertouring.com, rachel@crossovertouring.com

http://www.tinsleyellis.com
https://www.facebook.com/TinsleyEllis
https://twitter.com/TinsleyEllis
https://www.instagram.com/Tinsley.Ellis

Ice Cream In Hell

Tinsley Ellis - Your Love's Like Heroin

For the full story see http://bit.ly/XUx2xT

Produced by Tom Hambridge  
Recorded at Sound Stage Studio, Nashville TN  
Engineered by Jim Cooley and Nick Autry  
Mixed &Mastered by Tom Hambridge and Michael Saint-Leon at The Switchyard, Nashville TN
Executive Producer: Bruce Iglauer  

Additional Recording by:  
Shane Baldwin at Elevated Basement, Savannah GA  
Stuart Sullivan at Wire Recording, Austin TX  
Brendan Muldowney at Carriage House, Stamford CT   

Photos by Christopher Durst, christopherdurst.com 
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec 
Alligator logo by Michael Trossman  

Booking: The Rosebud Agency, www.rosebudus.com 
Management: jacklyn@jamescottonsuperharp.com
jamescottonsuperharp.com  

James Cotton plays and endorses Seydel Harmonicas (seydelusa.com) 
Tom Holland endorses Delaney Guitars (delaneyguitars.com) and GHS Strings (ghsstrings.com) 
Jerry Porter endorses Sabian Cymbals (sabian.com), Smith Drums (myspace.com/smithdrums) and Evans Drumheads (evansdrumheads.com)  

Gregg Allman appears courtesy of Rounder Records 
Joe Bonamassa appears courtesy of J&R Adventures 
Ruthie Foster appears courtesy of Blue Corn Music 
Warren Haynes appears courtesy of Stax Records 
Keb Mo appears courtesy of Yolabelle International/ILG 
Darrell Nulisch appears courtesy of Severn Records

Cotton Mouth Man

James Cotton - Cotton Mouth Man (w/Joe Bonamassa)

James Cotton - Midnight Train (w/Gregg Allman)

James Cotton - Mississippi Mud (w/Keb Mo)

James Cotton - Bonnie Blue

Ghost From Christmas Past

Christone "Kingfish" Ingram - Ghost From Christmas Past

All songs by Chris Cain, Chris Cain Music admin. by Eyeball Music, BMI   

Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Kid Andersen at Greaseland Studios, San Jose, CA  
Cover Photo by Tina Abbaszadeh  
Additional Photos by Marilyn Stringer  
Management and Booking: Suzy Tyler, suzytyler22@gmail.com

Among the greatest compliments a musician can receive is praise from his fellow artists. With more than three decades of touring and fourteen previous albums, master blues guitarist and vocalist Chris Cain has earned his reputation as a musician's musician. Since his first release in 1987, Cain has created his very own blues sound inspired by his heroes--B.B. King, Albert King, Ray Charles, Albert Collins, Grant Green and Wes Montgomery. His jazz-informed blues guitar playing is fiery, emotional and always unpredictable. His vocals--gruff, lived-in and powerful--add fuel to the fire. His indelible original songs keep one foot in the blues tradition and both eyes on the future. The pure joy Cain brings to his playing and singing is palpable, and draws fans even closer in.

Upon first discovering Cain in 1987, Guitar Player raved, "Cain is an impressive, top-notch guitarist. His full-bodied tone and surprisingly big voice packed a punch that had me reeling." The Washington Post declared, "Chris Cain is a hot-shot guitarist and a singer with the maturity of old blues masters like Bobby Bland and B.B. King." Guitar icon Robben Ford said, "Chris Cain is for real. He's a great blues player with an intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what he's going to do next. Plus he knows how to write a song you haven't heard before, full of humor and insight. If you like the blues you'll like Chris Cain. I am a stone fan."

With his Alligator Records debut album, Raisin' Cain, Chris Cain says he is at a new point in his career. "I'm playing and writing better than ever before. I can say more with less," he says, referring to his dynamic guitar playing and superb songwriting. "My songs are funky and danceable and my writing is now less personal diary than in the past. I want my songs to tell universal stories." Recorded in San Jose at producer and multi-instrumentalist Kid Andersen's Greaseland Studio, Raisin' Cain features twelve original Cain compositions. From the deeply autobiographical Born To Play to the humorous and rocking Hush Money to the late-night jazzy blues of I Don't Know Exactly What's Wrong With My Baby, Cain's songs deliver uncommon, surprising hooks and riffs coming in rapid-fire succession. On four songs, Cain shows off his stellar keyboard skills, and on the far-out instrumental Space Force, he proves himself a funky and jazzy ARP Soloist player. Along with Cain is his road-tested band, bassist Steve Evans and keyboardist/organist Greg Rahn, with Chris' touring drummer Sky Garcia and veteran D'mar Martin (Little Richard, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats) sharing the skins.

Joining Alligator Records is a dream come true for Cain, who grew up idolizing label giants like Hound Dog Taylor and Son Seals. "Alligator cares so much about the music and the artists," Cain says. "I'm really excited to be a part of it. And I've got the best pack of tunes I've ever written."

Raisin' Cain

Chris Cain - Born To Play

Since its inception, Alligator has always kept a close eye both on new artists and new technologies. In the 1970s, the company produced LPs, cassettes and 8-track tapes. In the 1980s, Alligator was the first blues company to produce CDs, and in the 1990s Alligator was among the first labels to market its catalog over the Internet. These days, alligator.com, the label's website, and its social media sites are instantly updated with the latest news and tour dates. At the website, visitors can listen to a 250-song jukebox while reading bios of every artist, get free downloads and purchase CDs and other blues-related merchandise. Alligator is also deeply involved in the downloading worlds, working closely with almost all of the legitimate download services, making thousands of Alligator tracks available for instant online purchase.

Today Alligator Records is fueled by the same principles that it first established in 1971. The label continues to push forward, still bucking the odds, with everybody working long hours on a shoestring budget. The entire staff is always looking for new talent and listening to a wide variety of roots music. As driven and determined as ever, Alligator is committed to the future. "I want to keep bringing blues and roots music to new fans and getting them as excited about the music as I am," says Iglauer. 

Popular tracks by AlligatorRecords