2026 – Alligator Records
Release Date : Feb. 27, 2026
By Phillip
Smith; Feb. 21,
2026
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
Slideways marks the tenth release on Alligator Records from
the multi-award-winning Chicago blues stars Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials.
For almost four decades, guitar/vocalist Lil’ Ed Williams, guitarist Michael Garrett, bassist James “Pookie” Young, and drummer Kelly
Littleton have been slaying the blues world with their Chicago blues.
Keyboardist extraordinaire Ben Levin joins the band for eight of these
thirteen extraordinary original tracks coproduced by Williams and Alligator
Records founder and president Bruce Iglauer.
From the git-go, the guys pull me in with the lip-smacking greasy Seventies groove of “Bad All By Myself”. I absolutely love it. Pure emotion spills from every heart-felt note delivered of Williams’ blues-soaked voice and guitar in “Homeless Blues”. The song is a heart-wrenching masterpiece which also features Levin on organ. The haunting sounds of slide guitar backed by a Nashville-sounding rhythm take the spotlight on “If I Should Lose Your Love”. It sounds terrific. The blues keeps rolling, slow and steady. as Lil’ Ed sings of “Wayward Women” who are sweet as honey with poison dripping from their lips. It’s a stellar song played with precision. More lush groovy sounds return for “Cold Side of the Bed” and I absolutely dig it. The song is very infectious and hits like a classic Booker T and the MG’s favorite. With a propelling rhythm topped with searing slide-guitar licks, the record concludes in a big way with “You Can’t Strike Gold From a Silver Mine”. This final track definitely leaves me wanting to hear more.
Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials’ Slideways is destined to be a top favorite release for blues enthusiasts this year. It certainly is a favorite of mine.
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Photo by Paul Natkin 
Photo by Paul Natkin
For more information about Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, visit their website at https://www.liledblues.com/
For more information about Alligator
Records visit their website at https://www.alligator.com/