Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials announce new album

Blues Hall of Famers Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials will release their new album Slideways on Friday, February 27, 2026, via Alligator Records. The album marks the band’s 10th release for the label and arrives as the group approaches four decades together.

Led by Chicago slide guitar standout Lil’ Ed Williams, the Blues Imperials also feature bassist James “Pookie” Young, guitarist Mike Garrett, and drummer Kelly Littleton. The band has long been known for its high-energy take on traditional Chicago blues, blending slide guitar boogies with shuffles and slow blues.

Slideways includes 13 tracks, 12 of which were written or co-written by Williams. The album was produced by Williams alongside Alligator Records founder and president Bruce Iglauer. Eight of the songs feature keyboardist Ben Levin. The track list moves from hard-driving originals like “Bad All By Myself” and “13th Street And Trouble” to a reworked version of “Homeless Blues.”

The album’s first single, “Bad All By Myself,” was released today along with an accompanying music video.

To coincide with the album’s release, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials will kick off their 2026 Slideways Tour on February 27 with a hometown record release show at FitzGerald’s Nightclub. The tour continues through March with dates across the Midwest and East Coast, followed by an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April.

Williams said working on the album pushed the band creatively, crediting Iglauer with challenging each member to elevate their performances. He added that the long-standing chemistry within the group continues to be a driving force behind their music.

Slideways will be available on CD, blood-red vinyl LP, and through all major digital service providers.

2026 SLIDEWAYS TOUR DATES

Feb 27 – FitzGerald’s, Berwyn, IL
Mar 05 – Dakota, Minneapolis, MN
Mar 06 – Bernell’s, Madison, WI
Mar 07 – Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI
Mar 12 – Natalie’s Grandview, Columbus, OH
Mar 13 – Music Box Supper Club, Cleveland, OH
Mar 16 – The Village Nightclub, Lancaster, PA
Mar 17 – Saint Georges Country Store, Saint Georges, DE
Mar 18 – Hub City Vinyl, Hagerstown, MD
Mar 19 – The Laundromat, Morristown, NJ
Mar 20 – Lizzie Rose Music Room, Tuckerton, NJ
Mar 21 – The Iridium, New York, NY
Mar 24 – The Music Room, West Yarmouth, MA
Mar 25 – The Falcon, Marlboro, NY
Mar 26 – The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Old Saybrook, CT
Mar 27 – The 443 Social Club & Lounge, Syracuse, NY
Mar 28 – Fanatics Pub, Lima, NY
Apr 24 – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA