Bernard Allison: Luther’s Blues Review
Depending on your generation and blues nutrition, if I plucked the surname “Allison” out of a hat, one of two musicians would likely come to mind. If it’s not Chicago electrics blues legend Luther Allison, you’ll climb down a branch on the family tree and listen to his son Bernard instead — a helluva guitarist also deserving of his own lofty perch.
While Bernard has developed a trademark funk meets fierce blues-rock sound, there’s no denying his roots. Cue Luther’s Blues — a two-disc, 20-song strong salute to his late, great father. Each one is a Luther Allison composition that Bernard has previously covered across his bountiful discography. Keeping his father’s music legacy alive in a way that no one else could, he has predominantly chosen tracks that flew under the radar.
The youngest of Luther’s nine children, Bernard, was openly encouraged by his dad to “play it how you feel it, ” so it’s buoying to hear contemporary reinventions that bring creativity and interpretation to a new audience.
The heavy psychedelic blues of Hendrix hovers over opener “Hang On”, with an intro that threatens to go all ‘Voodoo Childy’ before blasting into a crushing riff and electrifying solo. Contrast this with the laid-back, sweet, and uber-smooth love call of “Reaching Out”, and you quickly realize there’s more to this man with black dreadlocks than meets the eye.
He slings in plenty of funky goodness (obviously) on tracks like “Too Many Women,” which gives you something to tap your feet to, helped by a gluttony of horns and the glorious interplay between guitar and electric piano. “Move From The Hood” has a funky jazz engine powered by organs, horns, and some tasty guitar licks, but Allison isn’t done there.
Growl alongside him on the frenetic “Back Down South” as his ferocious lead work ramps up the pace at the start of the second disc, or dial the tempo right back on the dangerously sexy “I Gave It All”. “A Change Must Come” is darkly soulful, yet transcended by the magic of Luther’s guitar playing, and things even turn gospel-y on “Change Your Way Of Living”.
From ferocious shredding to minimalistic aplomb, he is still able to honor a past master (who just so happens to be his dad). It was passion and searing guitar playing that took Luther to the pinnacle of the blues world, and Bernard clearly has those genes in abundance. Like father, like son, let’s give them both the respect their bodies of work merit (this included).
The Review: 8.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Too Many Women
– Bad Love
– A Change Must Come
The Big Hit
– Too Many Women
Buy the album: Amazon
