Allison. Just that last name brings to mind the late blues great Luther Allison. Thankfully his son Bernard is around to carry on. And carry on he does. "Times ARE Changing" is a finely crafted disc of originals, covers, and 3 Luther Allison penned songs.
While this is Bernard’s second US release this is actually his sixth album. Having released the first four in Europe. And one on Cannonball Records in the US. Not Bad for a 33 year old.
"I Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind" is a Bernard Allison original that pretty much sums up the mans talent as both songwriter and guitarist. "Bad Love", "Midnight Creeper", and "Life Is A Bitch" are the 3 Luther Allison songs. Bernard breathes new life into every one. On "Bad Love" for those of you that have heard Luther close your eyes and you would swear it’s him singing and playing. "Midnight Creeper " with its horns and soulful vocals hits the mark. "Life Is A Bitch" well lets just say that it is perfect. Guitar, vocals, everything just clicks.
"Don’t Be Confused" has 2 versions on the disc one acoustic, one electric. The acoustic one is the version to talk about. Just Bernard and his guitar singing about his late Daddy. Heartfelt lyrics that if you had ever seen Luther it will leave you with tears in your eyes.
"Tell Me" and "If You Want Me To Stay" are two funky but different songs. One an Allison original the other a Sly Stone song. Both feature horns prominently but "Tell Me" is much funkier. "The Way Love Was Meant To Be" demonstrates that Bernard can do the soulful ballad thing as well as play the guitar.
This is a really good disc and Bernard deserves all the praise being heaped upon him. Had a chance to see him in Hartford last month and let me tell you the place was electric. His ripped the bar up one side and down the other. He also did the acoustic version of "Don’t Be Confused" and needless to say there were very few dry eyes in the house. He is a really electric performer live and while the disc is good he is great live. This disc will put the Allison name back where it belongs. On top of the blues world.
**** 1/2