The Alligators

The Alligators - Gimme Some Skin - 1996 - Blues Factory Records

“It’s the kind of music that Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf would have loved and, trust me, that’s got nothing to do with by-the-number rehash. It’s got everything to do with attitude
and this band’s got some to spare” © Mark Gallio © Blues Review

Just as the forebearers brought their stylistic gumbo to the city in the 1940's, when the auto factories beckoned them from around the country, the Alligators bring tastes of far flung regions of the Blues nation to this extrordinary debut collection. There is as much West Coast and Texas swing as New Orleans second line, Memphis soul and shades of Muddy, The Wolf and all things classic Chicago. But it's a Detroit groove, comprised of all that, and of the mean streets, dismal factories and the overriding collective optimism that are the soul of this city, that lies at the heart of the Alligator Music. © Mark E. Gallo © 2003 Reptile Music Incorporated. All rights reserved

This CD rocks! These guys are the real thing when it comes to straight-ahead contemporary jump blues and rock. Coming out of Motown like a diesel truck bearin’ down on you from behind, the ‘Gators have put together one of the best collections of burnin’-down-the-house blues rockers with pure Detroit-style attitude. Every track captures the power and passion that these guys pour into the soul of this music and into their performances. Standout tracks include "Maggie Campbell," "See Ya Later Alligator," "Whiskey, Whiskey," and "Pocket Full of Tens," and every other track sizzles with pure blues power. This CD is not for the faint of heart! © Mike Somers, http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:4aEF3ebuvCwJ:buylow.com/renegade/winter97/alrev.html+The+Alligators+-+Gimme+Some+Skin+-+1996&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ie

A good album with elements of West Coast and Texas Swing, New Orleans and Memphis Soul, shades of Muddy, The Wolf, and everything classic Chicago, all played in a modern Detroit groove. The sounds of Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Delbert McClinton, J.B Hutto, and Robert Nighthawk can be heard throughout the akbum. Good stuff from The Alligators . Buy the band's great "Take The Bait" album

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

20% Alcohol - (J.B. Hutto)
Maggie Campbell - (R. Nighthawk)
See Ya Later Alligator - (M. Seyler)
Too Fat For Rock & Roll - (M. Falconberry)
Gimme Some Skin - (G. Blankenship)
Pocket Full Of Skin - (G. Blankenship)
Bad Man, Good Girl - (R.D. Jones)
1-900 - (D. Krammer, G. Kazinoski)
Whisky, Whisky - (G. Blankenship)
You A Bad One - (R.D. Jones)
Heart Attack Woman - (R.D. Jones)
Two Finger Handshake - (D. Krammer, I. Shapiro, M. Falconberry)

MUSICIANS

David Krammer - Vocals
Greg "Wailin' Dale" Blankenship - Harp, Vocals on "Maggie Campbell", & "Whisky, Whisky"
R.D Jones - Bass, Background Vocals
Mark Seyler - Drums, Background Vocals
Steve Schwartz - Guitars, Background Vocals

BIO

The Alligators have been playing this kind of music, in there own unmistakable way, for nearly twenty five years. This “attitude” they bring to the stage each night has everything to do with their respect for the blues and their love of playing it together as a band. And The Alligators have been playing it together for a long time. Lead vocalist Dave Krammer and harmonica player Wailin’ Dale started the band in 1984, Guitarist Steve Schwartz joined in 1993 followed by Drummer Jon Johnson . The Alligators have also added new blood with the addition of highly respected bassist Frankie Lee in 2007. This longevity is a testament to the success they have achieved and has helped develop them into one of the tightest and most sought after bands in the Midwest. The Alligators not only have impressive lasting power as a band but an impressive recording history as well. Beginning in 1994 with their debut CD “Gimme Some Skin” , they have recorded four successful and highly acclaimed CDs to date. They have also had songs included on three compilation CDs as well. Whether it’s local clubs in the metro Detroit area or premier clubs and festivals throughout the Midwest, The Alligators are longstanding favorites of music lovers that like to have a good time! © 2003 Reptile Music Incorporated. All rights reserved.