BERNARD ALLISON

“Higher Power”

Ruf Records

Bernard Allison was introduced to the music world by his father, the late great blues legend Luther Allison. He was schooled in the art of blues guitar playing by the likes of Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan. And ever since his debut album in 1990, Bernard Allison had admirably assumed the chore of carrying forward the Allison musical legacy and at the same time, has carved his own niche in the blues music world.

The younger Allison considers himself a musician rather than just a blues guitarist. And although Allison is clearly accomplished with a six string guitar in hand, it’s his overall songwriting, soulful singing, and precise delivery that sets him apart. There’s a dash of funk, a sprinkle of Motown, and a whole lotta blues power that comprise the ingredients of the Bernard Allison recipe. “Higher Power”, Allison’s most recent recording effort, continues to provide listeners with every bit of those ingredients and more.

Allison recorded “Higher Power”, his sixth effort of Ruf Records, using his touring band (Jassen Wilber-bass, Ron Sutton-drums, and Mike Vlahakis-keyboards), in the studio for the first time. A top cast of guest musicians also contribute work on the disc. The result is an authentic and mature blues rock record stamped with the Bernard Allison approval. “Higher Power” delivers Allison’s trademark uptempo rock guitar sound right from the beginning with tracks like “I’ve Learned My Lesson” and “Too Cool”. Young Bernard has also inherited his Father’s smooth soulfulness, evident especially in his covering of the two Luther Allison penned tracks on the disc, “Raggedy and Dirty” and “Into My Life”. Throughout “Higher Power”, Allison’s changes gears creatively and offers insight to his personal feelings lyrically. -The disc closes with the beautifully moving acoustic piece “Ami”, a tribute to the value of true friendship and family.

“Higher Power” is a strong effort from Bernard Allison, who continues to impress with his musical diversity and songwriting ability. Obviously well-schooled and with more than the necessary mileage under his belt to stand on his own, “Higher Power” shows a maturity that few musicians will accomplish. Clearly, Bernard Allison is the complete package.

- Don Sikorski

****1/2