Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials

CRITIC’S PICK: Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Blind Willies—Blind Willie’s longtime attendees will attest to the fact that there’s nothing quite like the sizzling excitement and upbeat party atmosphere of a Lil’ Ed Williams show. Sure, he appears at the venerable Atlanta blues joint about twice a year, but once the fez wearing Ed let’s loose on slide guitar, recalling the sounds of his uncle J.B. Hutto, a storied figure in blues slide guitar, few can stay seated. He’s been at it for four decades and even though there hasn’t been any new music for a while, his bulging catalog of rollicking blues has more than enough gems to ensure a roof-raising experience. — Hal Horowitz