Just when I began to doubt if Alligator still can be called a blues label, with it’s roots deep in the heart of Chicago, they “strike back” with the birth of West Side Strut of the seventy three-year old Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater. Actually, this disc is the result of the collaboration between Chicago veteran Clearwater and Ronnie Baker Brooks. Brooks (a son of Lonnie Brooks),is one of the Young bloods in contemporary blues guitar. On this album he takes the role of producer and rhythm guitarist (and lead on some tracks). I think Alligator should prepare for a solo release of this man, before he establishes as a “musician’s musician”. The opener, “A Good Leaving Alone”, betrays that we are listening to an “Alligator”,because of the full and hard overall sound with a premier role for Billy Branch on harmonica. We don’t get much chance to breath, because the second song, ”Hypnotized” goes on at the same pace, despite the more funky rhythm. Purpose must be to captivate the listener from the start. The third one, “Gotta Move On” is a nice minor key tune and brings back the balance on the album. As we are used from Clearwater, the rest of the album is a blend of styles, such as Swamp, Rock & Roll and of course Blues. But however, this time no Rocker inspired by Chuck Berry… In these days, an album cannot be made without guest appearances. “Papa Brooks” is hired on the humorous “Too Old To Get Married”, and Jimmy Johnson and Otis Clay on the beautiful “Do Unto Others”. Summarized a nice piece of work and hopefully an encouragement for more releases by established names and also new talents.