There’s a whole school of Chicago blues and there’s a label built right in Chicago to celebrate it. This documentary looks at the first two decades of that label, Alligator Records. Featuring such blues greats as Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Junior Wells and Sonny Boy Williamson, this DVD is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the blues.

Keep in mind that, while this is the first DVD release of this documentary, it was filmed (direct to video) in 1991. For that reason, expect good quality, but not modern quality. Still, packed with performances and other goodies, this is definitely an essential blues disc.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.