Billy Branch - Harp Attack!

"Harp Attack!" is a landmark 1990 blues collaboration album released by Alligator Records featuring four legendary Chicago harmonica players. The lineup includes Billy Branch, Junior Wells, James Cotton, and Carey Bell. Each player takes turns showcasing their distinct harmonica styles and vocal performances.

The album was released by Alligator Records, an iconic Chicago-based independent label known for producing premium blues records. Founded by Bruce Iglauer, the label specifically designed this album as a super-session to highlight the best harmonica talent in the world. It was a major commercial success for the label.

The album is structured so that each of the four harmonica masters takes the lead on specific tracks, often supported by the others playing rhythm. It allows listeners to directly compare the aggressive, powerful blowing of James Cotton with the more subtle, soulful styles of Junior Wells and Carey Bell. Billy Branch represents the younger generation of Chicago blues harmonica players on the record.

The album was released in 1990, right during a major resurgence of mainstream interest in traditional blues music. It instantly became a benchmark recording for harmonica enthusiasts. The success of the album led to similar collaborative records on Alligator Records.