The Alleygators

The Alleygators were formed from the legendary (notorious?) Captain and the Red Hot Blues Band/Red Hot Flames (1982-1989) as a Guitar/Sax duo in 1991. Playing blues originals - New Orleans R & B, and Mardi Gras tunes. The Gators worked as a duo, trio and 4-piece band 25-30 nights a month from 1991-1997 and released 2 CDs - Rockin' Rhythm and Blues 1993 & Mojo Alley 1995. David went solo in 1997 and recorded a cassette only release - 6 Pairs of Bloomers (Now on CD as Oh Brother-I'm Here!) and the CD Take Out Your False Teeth Mama (now out of print). Shortly after that the "swing thing" became big and Mr. David Booker and the Swingtet were formed in 1998. They're still going strong, playing many weddings, corporate events and occasional swing nights. 2 CDs were recorded: Cowtown Jive (1998), a live set at Trios/Enoteca in Downtown Denver, and "Now Booking" (2001) a cool studio set. They are both now out of print.

"Between 1991 and 1997, Denver, Colorado based ex-singer/guitarist with the Dynatones David Booker was the driving force behind and the one consistent figure in The Alleygators, a cult band now lovingly commemorated on the lively and slightly offbeat Chomp! Best of the Alley Gators ... Drawing from the band's two CDs and a couple of numbers from a 1997 solo album by David, this set contains plenty of low-down Swamp blues and uptempo rocking material, jazzy New Orleans R&B (especially noteworthy is the wonderful sax playing from Sonny Gunn) and some slippery funk, plus numbers drawing inspiration from Billy Boy Arnold, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed. Lovely stuff from Denver...but did I mention David was born a Mancunian!"

- Norman Darwen, Blues In Britain

"Chomp! (DWM Music 802) collects the best of the Alleygators' 1990s output. Guitarist David Booker, a veteran of the Dynatones, took their Bay-area soul to Denver and added plenty of swamp water when composing and recording these clever tracks. Refreshingly, his vocals are relaxed and understated and his playing is song-oriented. Roots-rock flair permeates cuts like "Bring Back My Cadillac," and tough blues are in ample supply, from the slow "Lazy Woman" to the wish-you-would jump of "Pompadour," a blues perhaps uniquely centered on a haircut rather than a wig. Sonny Gunn's tenor and baritone saxes add immeasurably to the arrangements. Jimmy Reed, Excello, jump blues, and Tony Joe White echo through these grooves."