This entertaining CD serves a dual purpose, introducing listeners to many of the blues artists who have recorded for Alligator and giving consumers a rare Christmas blues record. The performers include
Koko Taylor
,
Kenny Neal
Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials
Katie Webster
(on a rollicking
"Deck the Halls With Boogie Woogie"
),
William Clarke
Tinsley Ellis
Charles Brown
("Boogie Woogie Santa Claus"),
Son Seals
Lonnie Brooks
Little Charlie & the Nightcats
Elvin Bishop
Saffire
Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
and
Charlie Musselwhite
. With the exception of
Bishop's
"The Little Drummer Boy" and
Musselwhite's
"Silent Night," all of the selections are originals by the artists. Although the musicians all play in the same general genre, this set has enough variety (and good feelings) to hold one's interest throughout. ~ Scott Yanow