Hey there. They say laughter is the best medicine, but music has to be a close second right? So in these funky times, I hope you’re all getting your prescriptions filled and dosing up just right. After all, who deserves it more?
So here’s a dose or two for you. Starting with the Lovell sisters – better known as Larkin Poe. Their music might just be the remedy you’re looking for.
And then there’s a flashback to one of the little-known, yet significant record label stories in music history. (Time for my treatment).
Spotlight – Alligator Records
Alligator Records
Alligator Records is the Superman of Blues music labels. That makes its founder, Bruce Iglauer, Clark Kent. Bruce has the glasses to prove it too. He’s also mild-mannered. And for the last 50 years, he’s been able to bend the Blues music industry with his bare hands.
His story is legendary in the biz
He started Alligator in Chicago in 1971. Using all of his savings, he recorded an artist he absolutely loved (Hound Dog Taylor). In a two-night session, mixed live, he made his first album. Then he loaded up his car with that first set of records and drove to every DJ and record distributor he could find to ask them to play and sell his album. From that humble beginning he built this seat-of-the-pants business into the biggest independent Blues label in the world. Now, Alligator is a revered label. You want proof? Okay. To date, they’ve received 3 Grammys, 41 Grammy Nominations, 100+ Blues Music Awards, and a slew of other attaboys. Told you.
Now that’s a catalog
Bruce has always had x-ray vision for talent too. He started off recording only local Chicago musicians. But it didn’t take too long before he started looking outside the windy city. Now, Alligator boasts a catalog filled with national and international artists. All of them produced under Bruce’s watchful eye. And with nearly 50 years of recording under his belt, he’s produced multi-generations of Blues artists. He started with early recordings of Son Seals, Koko Taylor, Albert Collins, and more. Later on came Elvin Bishop, Tinsley Ellis, Marcia Ball, Coco Montoya, and Roomful of Blues. Now Bruce is introducing fans to the newest Bluesmen and Blueswomen on the scene. Artists like Jarekus Singleton, Shemekia Copeland, Selwyn Birchwood, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram.
The Outro
Bruce has used his super Blues powers for good. They’ve allowed him to build a bridge between Blues artists and fans for 50ish years. And they’ve allowed him build his little, independent record label into an enduring institution. One that keeps the Blues relevant and alive. I think he sees that as his main mission in life – to constantly introduce new artists to new fans. To keep the Blues alive and well into the next century. Up, up and away. Bitten by the Blues: The Alligator Records Story
Short Licks
Photo by Anya Vero on Unsplash
Next Best Thing to Being There
So, I watched the Joe Bonamassa Livestream this past Sunday and I was impressed. It was easily the best livestream I’ve seen. The sound was great. The production values were great. And it benefited a great cause – Fueling Musicians. For me, it was a terrific afternoon of music sitting in my comfy couch. Bonamassa Remains at Forefront with Livestream Show
Definitely for (Guitar) Geeks Only
Here’s yet another reminder that we live on a planet with finite resources. But music folk, being a more progressive-thinking lot than most, have already figured that out. So the Fender “Strat” in your future won’t have to be made with plywood like your neighbor’s bedroom addition. (Yay progressive thinking.) The Future of Wood in Electric Guitars
All Roads Lead to the Blues
Kirk Fletcher says, “My Blues Pathway is an album about celebrating the music that got me so excited about playing the blues from the beginning of my career and the musicians that inspired me. My path led me straight back to the Blues.” This is a real solid album and you can read a nice review of it by Martine Ehrenclou in Rock & Blues Muse. Review: ‘My Blues Pathway’ Kirk Fletcher
Ahhh Beep Beep
“As for leaving his bus driving job behind, Cannon says, I’ll miss seeing the daily hustle of life, having somewhere to be, and the camaraderie with my coworkers. I’ve known some of them for over 20 years. I won’t miss the traffic or the carelessness of other cars and drivers. I’ve put in the time behind the wheel, now it’s my time.’” (If he drives as well as he plays, Chicago is losing a great bus driver.) Chicago Bluesman Toronzo Cannon Leaving CTA to Play Blues Full Time
No Laurel Resting Here
Larkin Poe has been busy. They released “Self Made Man” this past June. Now they’re going to release a new album in November entitled “Kindred Spirits.” What’s cool is that it’s gonna be an all-acoustic album. And on top of that, it’ll be all covers. Eleven great tunes. All the way from Robert Johnson’s “Hellhound On My Trail,” to Post Malone’s “Take What You Want.” This is a neato idea from two ladies who are taking no prisoners musically. You can hear a preview of one of their tunes now. Listen to Larkin Poe’s “Nights in White Satin” Cover
To Boldly Go
Which Star Fleet captain is releasing a Blues album on October 2nd? I’ll bet you guessed it – William Shatner, AKA James Tiberius Kirk. The album’s entitled “The Blues” and he recorded it with some heavyweight Blues musicians. You can preview his version of “The Thrill is Gone” right now. Yeah, I know. But you must listen to this. (Hmmm, did someone leave the cake out in the rain?) Ritchie Blackmore and William Shatner Jam on “The Thrill is Gone”
Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open
- Sep 25 – Kirk Fletcher drops a new album “My Blues Pathway”
- Oct 02 – Ruthie Foster has a Livestream
- Oct 02 – King King will Livestream their new album “Maverick” from Berkeley Studios in Scotland
- Oct 03 – Democracy Comes Alive Virtual Festival with 50 Artists (Sounds like a good cause.)
I’ll Leave You With…
“The Blues Comin’ On” by Joe Louis Walker (feat. Dion & Eric Gales)
(Oh baby, something’s wrong) Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Music Thanks for reading, Jon
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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