Hound Dog Taylor, Chicago bluesman, Chicago institution, and he never really was a star, not even in the blues world. All The Hound did was pump out straight raw bar blues five or six nights a week in the raw blues bars of Chicago’s South and West Sides. In Chicago everybody knew him. Here with an array of talent from the Alligator label as well as other distinguished artists are their tributes to Hound Dog Taylor.

The tribute gets off to a blistering start with the late great Luther Allison’s version of Taylor’s " Give Me Back My Wig. " Luther really whips this one up to a frenzy with some searing slide guitar. Son Seals follows with a version of " Sadie " complete with his growling vocals, fierce guitar, and horns. Sonny Landreth then rips into a wicked "Taylor’s Rock " an instrumental complete with the fuzzy slide guitar sound that was a Taylor trademark.

Gov’t Mule then blows out " Gonna Send You Back To Georgia. " For those of you who don’t know who Gov’t Mule are they are the band formed by former Allman Bros. alumni Warren Haynes and Allen Woody. Warren Haynes shows his prowess on slide guitar on this down and dirty version. Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin plays "See Me In The Evening " just like Hound Dog would have, only guitar and drums, no bass just like The Dog did it.

Elvin Bishop gives a brief account of his stint with Hound Dog and then goes right into one of Hound Dog’s favorite lines " Lets Get Funky. " Then if there is a change of pace tune it would be " It’s Alright." Vernon Reid with Alvin Youngblood Hart go acoustic and it plays real well. Dave Hole then absolutely goes off the charts with a wild version of Elmore James " Hawaiian Boogie " one of the few songs that’s not a Taylor original , but you know what? It just doesn’t matter.

Michael Hill’s Blues Mob adds an urban blues touch to " She’s Gone " complete with the deft slide work that Hill has shown he has in his music. George Thorogood takes over with " Just Can’t Make It." What can you say about George that hasn’t been said? Heard one you heard them all, but it’s a lot of fun none the less. Ronnie Earl And Friends do a slow subdued version of Earl’s " Wayward Angel". Annie Raines takes a turn on the harmonica. Paul Rishell does the vocals and Earl’s guitar as always is right on the mark.

Cub Koda, writer of one of Hound Dog’s favorite rock tunes " Smokin’ In The Boys Room ", plays " Take Five " with Hound Dog’s Band The Houserockers Brewer Phillips and Ted Harvey. Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials bring this rousing tribute to a close with the electric version of " It’s Alright. " Lil’ Ed a Chicago blues veteran never met Hound Dog and actually learned slide from Taylor’s "slide rival " J.B. Hutto.

Hound Dog Taylor and the Houserockers were the first artist that Alligator signed and released music by. Then it was still on vinyl. Now all available on Cd. This is one wail of a tribute. There is not a bad cut by anyone. The Dog would certainly have to feel good about this one. Maybe he looks down and just one more time says " Lets get funky."