Bernard Allison
Higher Power
(Ruf 1101)
Don't get me started on Bernard. Just don't even get me
started. I can tell you stories for days. How I walked around hollering about how good
Times Are A Changing was. Or the time I saw Bernard perform a searing guitar solo to end
all solos atop the bar at J&J's. Or how he made Robert Ealey's car burst into flames
one hot and stormy night in Fort Worth by the sheer volcanic energy of his guitar playing.
I've seen Allison a handful of times live and every time he just gets better and better. A
skilled guitar master with his own unique style and presence. Yeah, you know who his daddy
is. But Bernard is very much his own person. The thing that is thrilling about him to me
is how he constantly reinvents himself and grows as an artist. His blues are in constant
evolution. It's progressing. It's transforming. Every CD, Bernard opens up new vistas and
it's really astounding how easily he makes it seem.
This CD is no exception to the chart. Allison pulls out
some incredible jam on Higher Power and then some. Thirteen high powered tracks of mostly
original tunes, not to mention a few penned by his world famous father. Allison is as
talented a vocalist as he is a player and his voice work on this disc is really
outstanding. He's a heck of a songwriter too. Catchy lyrics, great riffs, memorable
choruses. But then there is the smoking guitar work. Allison can go from delicate and
fragile to phat and funky in the space of two seconds. It's awe inspiring just how
talented he is. And it's never showboat stuff either. Bernard has this fireball energy
blasting out of him. It's very raw yet refined.
This is a great CD and really hits home. Just what is so
amazing about Bernard Allison. He is a world class performer and constantly moving
forward. Great stuff!
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 2005
Current Reviews - 2005 Reviews - available at our store
