Bernard Allison announces “Loving You”
Bernard Allison will bring together family, friends and several notable guests on his new studio album, Loving You, due October 16.
The veteran blues guitarist and singer, son of the late Luther Allison, has spent more than three decades building his own career with a sound that combines blues, funk, R&B and rock. Loving You continues that approach while placing an increased emphasis on collaboration.
The 10-track album features guest appearances from Devon Allman, Larry McCray, Victor Wainwright, Matthew Curry, Matthew Mwangi and Heather Hardy. Allison’s nephew Jasper Allison and niece Lyndsey Allison contribute backing vocals, while rhythm guitarist Stephen Johnson, also known as Stevie J Blues, co-wrote five of the album’s seven original songs.
“I’ve always wanted to record an album, bringing family and friends together!! Loving You is simply showing my appreciation and respect for my family and friends. So, I decided to invite and collaborate with a selected group of musicians and family members. I placed them on tracks where I felt they could bring out their true emotions and musical passions. We created a well-rounded album full of surprises, while showing our appreciation to all of our musical influences and genres. We laid down my blues foundation, with a taste of Funk, R&B, and Rock!! And we did it, The Allison Way!!!,” Allison said.
Stevie J Blues, a Jackson, Mississippi native and former member of Bobby Rush’s band, also joins Allison’s core band alongside bassist George Moye, drummer Sam Butts Jr. III and keyboardist Eric Roberts.
Loving You opens with “Left Me With My Guitar,” a funk-driven electric blues number centered on Allison’s relationship with his instrument. Victor Wainwright joins Allison on vocals and piano for “4 O’Clock In The Morning (Waiting On You),” while Larry McCray and Matthew Mwangi contribute guitar to “Time Traveler.”
Allison keeps things soulful on “Slide On Over,” which features backing vocals from Jasper and Lyndsey Allison along with Stevie J Blues. The record then moves into rock territory with a new version of Rick Derringer’s “Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo,” featuring Matthew Curry on guitar and vocals.
Devon Allman appears on guitar on the title track, “Loving You,” while Larry “Doc” Watkins contributes handclaps. Heather Hardy adds violin to “Pay What You Owe Me,” which also features Jasper and Lyndsey Allison and Stevie J Blues on backing vocals.
Other songs include “Busted & Disgusted,” “Should I Wait” and album closer “Blues Thang.”
Allison emerged as a solo artist during the 1990s after previously playing guitar in his father’s band. While Luther Allison remains a major influence, Bernard Allison has also cited guitarists including Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan among the musicians who helped shape his approach. Over the course of his career, he has released more than 20 albums while touring extensively in the United States and Europe.
Loving You continues that career with an album built around the musicians and family members Allison has developed relationships with along the way.
TRACK LISTING
- “Left Me With My Guitar” – 3:31
- “4 O’Clock In The Morning (Waiting On You)” feat. Victor Wainwright – 4:20
- “Time Traveler” feat. Larry McCray and Matthew Mwangi – 4:26
- “Slide On Over” feat. Jasper & Lyndsey Allison, Stevie J Blues – 3:21
- “Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo” feat. Matthew Curry – 3:48
- “Busted & Disgusted” – 6:13
- “Loving You” feat. Devon Allman and Larry “Doc” Watkins – 3:53
- “Should I Wait” – 3:17
- “Pay What You Owe Me” feat. Heather Hardy, Jasper and Lyndsey Allison, Stevie J Blues – 4:01
- “Blues Thang” feat. Stevie J Blues – 4:03
