When I created Alligator Records, the very first promo piece to promote that very first Hound Dog Taylor album was headed "Genuine Houserockin' Music." That became our slogan, and we wear it proudly today. "Genuine" because the music we record is deeply rooted in the blues tradition (even when it pushes the standard definition of blues) and is created by musicians who have honed their songs not on synthesizers in their bedrooms, but in front of real audiences, responding to the emotional needs of their listeners. "House" instead of "theatre" or "arena" or "stadium," because our music is ultimately intimate, even when it's big and loud. It's not meant to be presented. It's meant to be shared between the musicians and the audience, like everyone at Florence's shared the music with Hound Dog Taylor. And "Rockin'" because it's designed to move you. Most of Alligator's records will move your feet or your body, but we've tried to make records that will move that other part of you�your soul. Sometimes that can mean music that cleanses your inner pain by pulling it out of you, the "hurts so good" that is so special to the blues. And sometimes it just means the pure release and fun of musicians pouring their energy into a great groove.
-Bruce Iglauer
First single from JJ Grey & Mofro's 2013 release THIS RIVER!
The Ultimate Beginner Series: Blues Guitar DVD
The Ultimate Beginner Series is designed to help you take the first step toward experiencing the fun of playing music. Blues Guitar illustrates everything you need to get you started in the basics of the blues and features on-screen graphics and tablature plus a great band to demonstrate each point. Concepts demonstrated include popular intros and endings, slow blues (the heart of the blues sound), the "sweet" side of blues soloing (the major pentatonic scale), blues phrasing using "call and res...
ROOMFUL OF BLUES CELEBRATES 45 YEARS WITH RELEASE OF NEW CD, 45 LIVE, ON JULY 30, 2013
In celebration of their 45th anniversary, Roomful of Blues, the jumping, swinging, rocking, award-winning band, will release their new live CD, 45 LIVE, on Tuesday, July 30, 2013.
The Ultimate Beginner Series: Blues Guitar DVD
