BERNARD ALLISON
"KEEPIN' THE BLUES ALIVE"
CANNONBALL RECORDS
“I’m a young boy and I play a blues guitar. Well my daddy’s gonna teach me y’all how to make myself a star.”
These words are from a song called “Young Boy’s Blues” which is one of several original cuts on Bernard Allison’s stunning new release on the Cannonball Records label. With the blues world still reeling from the shock of his dad Luther’s death, there is something very much life-affirming and special about this CD.
Bernard’s vocals are tough and growling in the opening number called “Baby Chile.” This is where the title of the disc comes from. Bernard’s words are extra poignant when he sings “but now it’s up to me to keep these blues alive.” And he does keep the blues alive! This is a sweet sounding, guitar driven, modern day traditional blues record. That’s not an oxymoron either. Just like his father, Bernard has a fresh new sound that is grounded in the electric Chicago blues of the late 60’s.
Included among the many highlights of this disc is a Freddie King instrumental called “In The Open” that Bernard just rips through. He changes things up with a little slide guitar on “Walkin’.” Things then get funky with “When I’m Ready.” Of course he covers one of his father’s songs opting for an old gem called “A Change Must Come.”
One song worth mentioning is a traditional called “Home Coin’.” The B3 organ of Ron Levy is prominent in this tune. Levy gets a mention here because Cannonball Records is his baby. Levy left Bullseye Blues to start this new label and Bernard Allison is it’s very first CD. How cool is that!
At the age of 32 Bernard Allison is already a seasoned pro. He spent years in Koko Taylor’s Blues Machine and he even played in Willie Dixon’s band. “Keepin’ The Blues Alive” is his 4th record. Luther Allison was unquestionably the bluesman of the 90’s. Because of this Bernard Allison has been overlooked in the past. Now it’s going to be like being at a tennis match as all the heads will swing toward him. He’ll be ready for it though.
“Keepin’ The Blues Alive” is one of the very best blues records of 1997.
- Bill Harriman
****1/2