Review: Bernard Allison ‘Luther’s Blues’
By Martine Ehrenclou
World class contemporary bluesman Bernard Allison, the son of Blues Hall of Famer Luther Allison, made a promise to himself and his mother to keep his father’s name alive in music after his death in 1997.
The result is the thoroughly enjoyable Luther’s Blues by Bernard Allison out on Ruf Records. It celebrates the music and legacy of Chicago blues legend Luther Allison, each one an original track that previously appeared on Bernard Allison’s albums and were remastered for the 21st century by way of Bernard’s modern blues, rock and jazz oriented spin.
Every father, famous or not, should be so lucky to receive a loving tribute like Luther’s Blues. An extraordinary player, singer, and songwriter in his own right, Bernard Allison reinvents each of the 20 tracks with his own feel, style and take —from his deep-rooted love of contemporary blues and of his father’s music, which he learned to play completely on his own when he was 13 years old.
Luther Allison’s originals and Bernard’s interpretations of them just cannot be compared. Bernard brings his father’s songs to a new generation.
It’s befitting to release Luther’s Blues on Ruf Records’ 30 anniversary as Luther Allison was one of the label’s first artists. Starting as Luther’s manager, Thomas Ruf landed him for Ruf Records and the musical legacy of the Allisons began.
At age 18, Bernard Allison toured with Koko Taylor’s Blues Machine as bandleader and guitarist. After years as bandleader, guitarist, songwriter and arranger for Luther Allison’s band, Bernard continued forging his own solo career, his music a blend of blues, rock, funk, soul and gospel. 20 plus albums later, we now have the outstanding Luther’s Blues.
The track list spans 30 years of Luther Allison’s songs, from “Hang On” recorded in Paris in the summer of 1992, when Bernard was in his mid 20s, to a pair of tracks from his most recent studio album Highs & Lows, which earned Bernard a Blues Rock Album of the Year nomination at the Blues Music Awards.
Luther’s Blues kicks off with the Hendrix-esque “Hang On,” a psychedelic interpretation of the original. Spiked with high energy rock, this is Bernard at some of this best, his vocals strong, his guitar riffs elegant and ferocious at the same time. The track shimmers with a modern vibe.
You can hear Luther Allison’s style in songs like “I Gave It My All” but in “Now You Got It,” Bernard made it his own. He’s in his element–his vocals powerful, his guitar work downright fiery. His guitar solo on “You’re Gonna Need Me” is a master class on soulful blues guitar.
When you listen to tracks like “Serious,” a compelling slow blues beautifully revised by Bernard, you hear Luther’s influence, and understand how this song became so popular. However, it’s Bernard in the spotlight paying tribute to his father.
On songs like “Help” and “Hang On”, these iconic songs are reinvented for today’s music fans—not just blues but blues-rock, funky blues with jazz influences, ripping solos and edgy vocals.
Listen to “Too Many Women” Here
Bernard Allison’s band is just as ferocious as their leader. There’s a kinetic feeling between them from performing for years on the road together. Skin tight, this is a rhythm section to beat, as is the horn section. The music is just seamless, but packed with soul. The trumpet solo alone on the funky “Too Many Women” is a standout.
Highly recommended.
Bernard Allison website
Carrying on his daddy’s legacy with originality, and groove galore.
Love it!