Live In LA Official Bootleg by Alastair Greene Band – A Raw, Bluesy Rock Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, let’s talk about Live In LA Official Bootleg by the Alastair Greene Band. This 2003 release is one of those albums that sneaks up on you—kinda like when your buddy says, “Oh, just listen to this one track,” and suddenly you’re hooked for hours. It’s a mix of rock and blues with enough grit to make you feel like you’re sitting right there in the smoky LA club where it was recorded. Released under Riatsala Music, this thing feels less like a polished studio album and more like a sweaty, live jam session—and honestly, that’s what makes it so damn good.
First off, gotta shout out “Beginning To Wonder (Cissy Strut).” Man, this track slaps. The groove hits you immediately—it’s funky but still rooted in that classic blues vibe. Alastair’s guitar work here is ridiculous, like he’s not even trying anymore because he knows he owns the stage. And the way they stretch out the song? Pure magic. You can hear the crowd losing their minds, which just adds to the whole experience. It’s one of those songs where you hit repeat without even thinking about it. Like, yeah, maybe I should branch out and listen to other tracks, but nah, this one’s got me locked in.
Then there’s “One Way Out.” If you’re into blues covers, this’ll hit the spot. They take the Allman Brothers’ classic and give it their own spin, adding a little extra swagger and some killer solos. Honestly, hearing Alastair rip through this tune feels like catching lightning in a bottle. The energy doesn’t drop for a second, and the band sounds tight as hell. It’s the kind of performance that reminds you why live music is unbeatable—you can’t fake chemistry like that.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going too. Tracks like “Afro Blue” bring a jazzy edge, while “Love Too Strong” leans heavy into raw emotion. Even the lesser-known cuts have moments that stick with you long after the record ends. Plus, it’s cool how they balance original tunes with covers—it shows they respect the roots of blues and rock but aren’t afraid to put their stamp on things either.
Here’s the wild part: listening to Live In LA Official Bootleg feels like eavesdropping on something special. It’s unpolished in the best possible way, capturing the band at their most authentic. No auto-tune, no overproduction—just real musicians doing what they do best. By the time the last note fades, you’re left wondering why more people don’t know about this album.
So, yeah, if you dig blues-infused rock with a side of funk and soul, check this out. But fair warning: once you press play, don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning an impromptu road trip or busting out air guitar moves in your living room. Oh, and here’s a random thought—what if every bootleg sounded THIS good? Imagine the chaos.
