going to have to be made.” The album cover convince them to record displays a hooded monk holding the scales of , he justice and the word “Prophet” crossed out decided to do it himself. and replaced with the word “Profit.” The first six Alligator Famous for his drop-tuned arpeggiation, albums, released roughly punishing chordal clusters, and spiraling one per year beginning guitar solos, Tabor brings his impassioned in ’71 – featuring Koko A game prodded by a super-talented rhythm Taylor, section. Opulent soundscapes and soloing, with Cary Bell, Fenton morph into leaps in dynamics. Highlights Robinson, , and include “Stain On The Sun,” “Water,” and two by Hound Dog – set “Care.” – Oscar Jordan a mighty high bar. Eventually, Alligator Ace Frehley was releasing 10 to 12 Origins Vol. 1 albums per year by artists such as , Ace is back – and , Buddy he told you so! The Guy, , former Kiss guitarist Gatemouth Brown, Luther shares a buffet of the Capturing Allison, Little Charlie and gems that influenced the Nightcats, and many him – Hendrix, Clapton, Page, and the Roll- others. To date, the label ing Stones, to name a few. The has released more than Frehley kicks out 12 classic-rock jams 250 albums, counting a and a few Kiss tunes with special guests. As n 1991, Robert Mugge later-discontinued reggae lame as this may sound, it’s a fun ride that made the documentary line. “I get to make the includes Frehley going all-out and toe-to-toe IDeep Blues, with the musical decisions,” says with Slash on Thin Lizzy’s “Emerald.” Lita help of journalist Robert Iglauer in the film. “I get Ford wails admirably on “Wild Thing,” while Palmer, who wrote the to make the business John 5 plays the hell out of the guitar on Kiss’ book of the same name, decisions, and I get to live “Parasite” and Jimi’s “Spanish Castle Magic.” and David Stewart of with whatever mistakes Produced by Frehley, distorted Les Paul the Eurythmics. After I make.” (One decision rhythm work slams this disc along with a its release, Mugge got a that some would say is meat-and-potatoes production aesthetic. call from , comparable to Dick Rowe Frehley sings with authority and power, and president of Alligator Re- of England’s Decca Re- never disappoints in the tasty licks depart- cords, and the following Robert Mugge cords, who turned down ment. Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready joins year, Mugge’s Pride and Pride and Joy: The Story the Beatles, was passing him on the Kiss classic “Cold Gin” for adept Joy: The Story of Alligator of on soloing, and Kiss frontman Paul Stanley cuts Records was released. and Double Trouble.) loose vocally on “Fire And Water” by Free. This year marks the blues Lonnie Brooks and his Mugge visited Chi- While this album is low in the artistic label’s 45th anniversary, son, , cago, where Alligator is statement department with it’s flown-in with an expanded version and Katie Webster, headquartered, but little guest tracks, harsh production, and revolving of the film on DVD and and the performances local color is included. drummers, it is an enjoyable listen for fans Blu-ray, featuring a “mak- are excellent. From a Worse, obvious elements of the ’70s icon. – OJ ing of” short and audio of guitar standpoint, Bishop that would have made it additional songs. shines, sparks fly in a more of a documentary Eric Lindell Pride and Joy is more father-son Brooks jam, are missing. Iglauer talks Matters of the Heart a concert film than a and Li’l Ed Williams’ slide about the late Hound Dog documentary, centered boogie is reminiscent of Taylor, but there’s no Eric Lindell’s past around Alligator’s 20th his uncle, J.B. Hutto. footage of him (though efforts have show- anniversary tour. The Alligator is still going some exists) and, more cased his multiple live shoot was done at strong and is arguably unthinkable, none of his skills, and this latest a club in Philadelphia the most successful music is even played – is no different. His because it was closer blues label active today. nor ’s, songwriting is strong as ever, his interpretive to Mugge’s home. The As Iglauer explains in nor Son Seals’. These flag- skills are impeccable, he handles various lineup consisted of Li’l Ed the film, he was working ship artists are integral to, instruments with ease, and there’s no ques- and the Blues Imperials, for , yet absent from, Alliga- tioning his vocals. , , but when he couldn’t tor’s story. – Dan Forte The emphasis for him has always been roots music – mostly R&B and sweet soul, Lonnie Brooks: Randi Anglin. Randi Brooks: Lonnie

Vintage Guitar 124 September 2016