“We’re talking about
a full-blown resurrection”

Photo Paul Natkin

With their smoking slide-guitar boogies and raw-boned shuffles, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials aren’t just trying to keep the blues alive; we’re talking about a full-blown resurrection.

Known for their spontaneous and unpredictable lives shows, the band is celebrating three decades together with The Big Sound of Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, their recently released 10th studio album since their debut in 1986.

“This album is a little different,” said, Lil’ Ed Williams, who recorded the album in a new recording studio he had built in his home. “Normally I let the guys come in and lay down the tracks and let them go with it. “This time I had a lot of good ideas and I had the guys come in and do what I wanted. This one I worked so hard on it, and who knows my music better than I?”

Williams, 61, produced and wrote 12 of the 14 songs on the album. He also laid down the drum tracks and created the bass lines for each song before bringing the band together. The result he says, “is a little rock and a little roll.”

Williams made a special appearance on TBS Network’s “Conan” on Tuesday. The award-winning guitarist sat in with Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band for the duration of the show. Williams met Conan O’Brien in 2006, when he starred in a hilarious short skit attempting to teach Conan how to play the blues. Lil’ Ed and the band were invited back later that year to perform on NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”

“I don’t watch much TV, so I didn’t know who Conan was,” said Williams, recalling their first meeting. “I was at a club and everyone was telling me how big of a star he was, so I figured I better polish my guitar.”

“In walks in this big, tall white guy and he just walked up to me. He said to me, “Where’s that damn Lil’ Ed? He’s probably not even going to show.” Williams’ response: “He’d probably show up if he thought that damn Conan would really show his face here.” Both men burst into laughter at the exchange and became quick friends. Williams is grateful for the national exposure Conan has provided by inviting the band on his show.

A student of what’s commonly referred to as “Chicago blues,” or “bottleneck boogie,” Williams is a master of the slide guitar. His rollicking slide work and deep blues string bending and soulful vocals are as real and hard-hitting as Chicago blues gets.

Williams learned the trade from his uncle, Chicago slide guitar king and master songwriter J.B. Hutto, who taught him how to feel, not just play the blues. The Imperials include bassist James “Pookie” Young, who is William’s half-brother, and drummer Kelly Littleton. Known for their bare-bones intensity, the band is equally adept at blasting out frenetic boogie gems such as “My Mind is Gone,” which will force even the most reluctant dancer to tap their toes, or pouring out tortured soul in songs such as “I Still Love You,” one of Williams’ favorite blues ballads.

After 30 years of performing across the world and earning countless awards, including Best Live Performer and Band of the Year from Living Blues Magazine, Williams said his mission remains the same. “You have to pay your dues so that people recognize your music and respect you,” Williams said. “Whether I’m playing inside or outside, it doesn’t make a difference as long as people are having fun.

“Just tell the people to come to one of my shows and they’ll have a good time. If they get wild, I’ll get wilder.”

In the blues world, song titles are sometimes just as entertaining as the song, often including double entendres, usually risqué in nature. Lil’ Ed Williams insists that’s not the case with his classic “Icicles in my Meatloaf.” “Man, everyone always asks me about that song,” said Williams, whose laughter reassures that he loves sharing the tale.

“One day my mother-in-law was making dinner. She took the meatloaf out of the freezer, warmed it up and served it. Everyone at the table started looking at each other because the meatloaf was still partially frozen. “Well, nobody wanted to say nothing because, well, it’s mother. Finally, she asked how everyone was enjoying their meatloaf, and everyone just shook their heads and said, “Oh, it’s good.” “My mother-in-law stood up and said, ‘Well, there’s damn icicles in my meatloaf, I’m going to make some spaghetti.’”

By Federico Martinez. Read the full story with photos and videos in the San Angelo Standard-Times.