Lazy Lester – Harp & Soul LP – 1988 European Pressing – Alligator Records AL 4768 – Near Mint Vinyl & Sleeve

Harp & Soul by Lazy Lester is the 1988 European pressing on Alligator Records (AL 4768), issued during Lester’s celebrated late-1980s comeback period.

This release captures his raw Louisiana blues style, driven by powerful harmonica work and authentic Gulf Coast rhythm. Pressed at 33⅓ RPM in stereo, this European edition remains highly desirable among blues collectors seeking clean, original pressings from the Alligator Records catalogue.

Alligator Records is one of the most respected independent blues labels, known for high-quality analogue-era recordings and limited pressing runs.

This is an original 1988 European issue, not a later reissue.

Condition Details

Vinyl: Near Mint
The record appears exceptionally clean with no visible surface marks. Fully tested and plays beautifully with strong, clear audio.

Sleeve: Near Mint
Original picture sleeve in superb condition with sharp edges, clean surfaces, and no splits or structural damage.

A very well-preserved collector-grade copy.

Release Information

Artist: Lazy Lester
Title: Harp & Soul
Label: Alligator Records
Catalogue Number: AL 4768
Year: 1988
Format: 12" Vinyl LP
Speed: 33⅓ RPM
Pressing: European Release
Genre: Blues / Louisiana Blues / Harmonica Blues
Stereo

Full Tracklist

Side A

1. I Done Got Over It – 2:25

2. Take Me In Your Arms – 3:32

3. I’m A Man – 3:59

4. Patrol Wagon Blues – 4:44

5. Dark End Of The Street – 2:54

Side B

1. Raining In My Heart – 4:08

2. Bye Bye Baby – 2:42

3. Bloodstains On The Wall – 4:23

4. Alligator Shuffle – 2:45

5. Five Long Years – 3:52

Why This Album Is Collectible

Lazy Lester is a cornerstone figure in Louisiana swamp blues and was associated with Excello-era legends including Lightnin’ Slim and Slim Harpo. His comeback recordings on Alligator Records introduced his music to a new generation of blues audiences.

The European pressing adds additional appeal for collectors seeking:

• Clean analogue-era Alligator pressings
• 1980s blues revival releases
• Harmonica-driven blues LPs
• Louisiana and Gulf Coast blues history
• Near Mint collector-grade vinyl

Near Mint original copies are becoming increasingly harder to source.

Ideal For

Blues vinyl collectors
Harmonica blues enthusiasts
Alligator Records completists
Louisiana blues historians
Analogue-era vinyl collectors

FAQs

Is this a reissue?
No, this is an original 1988 European pressing.

What is the condition?
Both vinyl and sleeve are graded Near Mint.

Has it been tested?
Yes, it has been fully tested and plays beautifully.

Is this a stereo pressing?
Yes, this is a stereo 33⅓ RPM LP.

Premium Collector Copy

With both vinyl and sleeve in Near Mint condition, this is a strong collector-grade example of Lazy Lester’s important late-career blues release.