This was the first album released by Proper Records in 1996 and it still stands up as the knockout record defined thus in Jim Driver’s original sleeve note.
“Since getting back together in 1983, the Balham Alligators have been kickin’ ass in clubs, concert halls and at festivals all over Europe. At the tail end of ’95 they finished recording their third and finest [studio] album to date. Gateway To The South is a spicy gumbo of rock ‘n’ roll, swamp-pop, country, Cajun, zydeco and New Orleans-style boogie-woogie that’s served up with more energy and excitement than the Pistols could manage after a fortnight in Columbia. Theirs is a rockin’ roots-music that’s out to party, that doesn’t give a damn about tomorrow’s hangover and vibrates with more good-time energy than is safe to be consumed by 9-5ers not in possession of a valid doctor’s note. The experts have dubbed the Alligators sound “Bayou Boogie” but that’s only half the story. Live and on record, the Balham Alligators have something very special to offer. Find out what it is today. Your future happiness could depend on it.
Following the death of Kieran O’Connor and the departure of Pete Dennis, a new rhythm section was driving the Alligators with Bobby Irwin on drums and Paul Riley on bass. The tracks were recorded in various locations including The Bonaparte Rooms, The House In The Woods and a live one from The Weavers Arms – where the band were regular favourites.
GERAINT WATKINS - accordion/vocals
ROBIN McKIDD - fiddle/vocals
GARY RICKARD - guitar/vocals
PAUL RILEY – bass/vocals
BOBBY IRWIN – drums
Guests:
BILL KIRCHEN – guitar/trombone (Johnny B Goode)
STEVE DONNELAY – guitar (Hot Rod/Johnny B Goode)
PETE THOMAS – drums (Johnny B Goode)
NICK PENTELOW – baritone sax/clarinet (Johnny B Goode)
MARTIN BELMONT – guitar (The Last Waltz)
This was the first album released by Proper Records in 1996 and it still stands up as the knockout record defined thus in Jim Driver’s original sleeve note.
“Since getting back together in 1983, the Balham Alligators have been kickin’ ass in clubs, concert halls and at festivals all over Europe. At the tail end of ’95 they finished recording their third and finest [studio] album to date. Gateway To The South is a spicy gumbo of rock ‘n’ roll, swamp-pop, country, Cajun, zydeco and New Orleans-style boogie-woogie that’s served up with more energy and excitement than the Pistols could manage after a fortnight in Columbia. Theirs is a rockin’ roots-music that’s out to party, that doesn’t give a damn about tomorrow’s hangover and vibrates with more good-time energy than is safe to be consumed by 9-5ers not in possession of a valid doctor’s note. The experts have dubbed the Alligators sound “Bayou Boogie” but that’s only half the story. Live and on record, the Balham Alligators have something very special to offer. Find out what it is today. Your future happiness could depend on it.
Following the death of Kieran O’Connor and the departure of Pete Dennis, a new rhythm section was driving the Alligators with Bobby Irwin on drums and Paul Riley on bass. The tracks were recorded in various locations including The Bonaparte Rooms, The House In The Woods and a live one from The Weavers Arms – where the band were regular favourites.
GERAINT WATKINS - accordion/vocals
ROBIN McKIDD - fiddle/vocals
GARY RICKARD - guitar/vocals
PAUL RILEY – bass/vocals
BOBBY IRWIN – drums
Guests:
BILL KIRCHEN – guitar/trombone (Johnny B Goode)
STEVE DONNELAY – guitar (Hot Rod/Johnny B Goode)
PETE THOMAS – drums (Johnny B Goode)
NICK PENTELOW – baritone sax/clarinet (Johnny B Goode)
MARTIN BELMONT – guitar (The Last Waltz)
Available in:
Digital Only
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