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
Checkout The Preview For Brighter Days, The Live CD/DVD Release From JJ Grey & Mofro - In Stores Sept 13th!
Muddy Waters: Got My Mojo Working-Rare Performances 1968-1978 DVD
This fantastic rare performance DVD (all electric!) captures Muddy Waters at the top of his career. Features 12 incendiary performances including Country Boy, Got My Mojo Working, Baby Please Don't Go, They Call Me Muddy Waters, Mannish Boy, and more.
Throughout his career, Muddy always drew exceptional sidemen. Muddy's two great pianists Otis Spann and Pinetop Perkins are both featured here, as are harmonica players the lat...
JOE LOUIS WALKER'S HELLFIRE HAILED BY PRESS AND RADIO
Blues master Joe Louis Walker's Alligator Records debut Hellfire reached number 38 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart for the week ending February 5, 2012.
Joe Louis Walker's HELLFIRE debuts on TWO Billboard Charts the first week -- #11 Blues Chart and #38 Heatseeker Chart. http://t.co/WSr5RzLx 2/8/2012 11:51AM
RT @evanstonspace: Just announced: 93XRT Blues Breakers welcomes Joe Louis Walker with The Steepwater Band on June 9th. Tix on-sale Sat at 11am. 2/7/2012 4:44PM
RT @ShakemOnDown: @alligator1971 thanks for my 25th anniversary tee guys! I'll be wearing it for the next week straight :D #houserockin' 2/7/2012 4:42PM
Muddy Waters: Got My Mojo Working-Rare Performances 1968-1978 DVD
