Previously Unreleased Robert Hunter Album, ‘Alligator Moon,’ To Be A Record Store Day Exclusive

In a significant development for fans of Robert Hunter, the legendary lyricist and collaborator with the Grateful Dead, an unreleased album from 1976 titled Alligator Moon is finally poised to see the light of day. Nearly five decades after its initial recording sessions, this elusive project is scheduled for release as a limited edition vinyl pressing exclusively for Record Store Day on November 27, 2026.

The album was created during a period when Hunter was actively collaborating with the band Comfort, whose lineup included Kevin Morgenstern on guitar, Rodney Albin handling violin and mandolin, Larry Klein on bass, and Pat Lorenzano behind the drums. Vocal contributions came from Marlene Molle and Kathleen Klein, while keyboard duties were initially managed by Richard McNees before Ozzie Ahlers took over. This ensemble supported Hunter not only in the studio but also during several live performances, notably opening for the Jerry Garcia Band in early 1978.

Despite the completion of Alligator Moon, the album was shelved indefinitely, leaving only fragments of its material accessible to the public. Notably, three tracks from these sessions were later included in the 1982 compilation Promontory Rider, released by the earlier incarnation of Relix Records. However, the full collection remained unheard in its entirety, sparking intrigue and anticipation among aficionados of Hunter's solo work.

The forthcoming release will be a carefully curated presentation produced by Rhino Records, which plans to press a total of 2,500 vinyl copies. This limited edition nature underscores the album’s status as a collector’s item and a coveted addition to Hunter’s discography. Complementing the auditory experience, the album will feature new artwork by Maureen Hunter, providing fresh visual context to the long-unavailable music.

Alligator Moon's emergence is significant not only for its rarity but also for its insight into Robert Hunter’s creative ventures beyond his renowned partnership with the Grateful Dead. While Hunter is primarily celebrated for his lyrical contributions to the band’s canon, this album offers a rare glimpse into his work as a frontman and collaborator with other musicians.

The historical context surrounding the album's initial recording and subsequent shelving remains partially obscure, with limited details on the reasons behind its postponement. However, its connection to the band Comfort and their live appearances supporting the Jerry Garcia Band situates the project within the vibrant San Francisco music scene of the late 1970s.

For collectors and historians alike, the release of Alligator Moon represents a valuable restoration of a missing chapter in Robert Hunter’s musical narrative. It enriches the understanding of his artistic breadth and the collaborative dynamics that shaped his work during a prolific yet underdocumented era.

As anticipation builds toward its Record Store Day debut, the album promises to generate renewed interest in Hunter’s solo catalog and the broader musical milieu of the time. While only a limited number of copies will be available, the release ensures that this once-forgotten project will finally receive the recognition it merits within the tapestry of American rock history.