11. Cotton, Wells, Bell & Branch - 'Harp Attack!' (November 2011)
Photo courtesy Alligator Records
Sometime in late 1989 or early 1990, Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer came up with the idea of placing four talented blues harpists in the studio together, much as he did a few years earlier with three guitarists on the successful, Grammy™ Award-winning album Showdown. Iglauer called upon James Cotton, Junior Wells, Carey Bell, and Billy Branch, the resulting album released in 1990 as Harp Attack! The album features some of the most spirited and energetic performances you'll hear on any blues album, and you'll find few players better than the artists showcased by these performances.
12. Son Seals - 'Midnight Son' (December 2011)
Photo courtesy Alligator Records
Three years on from his acclaimed debut, the Son Seals of 1976 was a far different artist, seasoned by hundreds of nights on the stage and carrying all the bruises and indignities suffered by the performing bluesman. Seals' sophomore effort, 1976's Midnight Son, reflects this accumulated experience, representing a giant step forward in both the guitarist's playing, but also in his vocal approach and maturing songwriting skills. A more polished, rhythm and blues-oriented collection, Midnight Son included the inspired use of a small horn section that would play a big role in the album's sound.
13. 'The Alligator Records Christmas Collection' (bonus disc)
Photo courtesy Alligator Records
The Alligator Records Christmas Collection features inspired performances from folks like Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Kenny Neal, Son Seals, Elvin Bishop, and Charlie Musselwhite, among others.
14. 'Alligator Records' Genuine Houserockin' Christmas' (bonus disc)
Photo courtesy Alligator Records
For those blues fans that like a little more "rockin' in their stocking," Alligator Records' Genuine Houserockin' Christmas offers songs from the aforementioned Taylor ('cause it just ain't Christmas without Koko!), along with talented folks like Carey Bell, Shemekia Copeland, W.C. Clark, Clifton Chenier, and Marcia Ball, to name but a few.
