2026 – Ruf Records
Release Date : October 16, 2026
By Phillip
Smith; October
24, 2026
Bernard Allison’s flair for writing and delivering some of the greatest soulful blues-rock I’ve heard has kept me being a fan for quite a while. I am always looking forward to his next release. On this latest album Loving You, Allison is joined by George Moye on bass guitar, Sam Butts Jr. III on drums, and Eric Roberts on keys. The guestlist on this ten-track record is pretty fabulous too, featuring: Larry McCray, Devon Allman, Stevie J. Blues, Matthew Curry, and Victor Wainwright.
To get things started, Allison
rips it up with his funky original break-up song with a silver lining “Left
Me With My Guitar”. Loaded with hot
licks, and an infectious rhythm, this one pulls me tightly in. His take on Rick Derringer’s “Rock
& Roll Hoochie Koo” is extremely fun.
With Curry accompanying on guitar and vocals, this makes for one
smoking’ cover. “Busted & Disgusted”
sure describes several of my casino visits.
I love the toneful sounds Allison coaxes from his guitar. They sound fabulous stacked up against Roberts’
keyboard finesse. For “Pay What You Owe
Me”, Allison is joined by Heather Hardy on violin, his nephew Jasper
Allison, his niece Lyndsey Allison, and Stevie J. Blues
on backing vocals for an amazingly soulful track. The inclusion of violin really adds a nice
texture to the song. Cowritten by Allison
and Stevie J. Blues, “Blues Thang” brings the record to a close with
a buttery groove and a propulsive beat.
Injected with that delicious Eighties funk vibe, this one sure puts me
in my happy place.
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For more information about Bernard Allison, visit his website https://www.bernardallison.com/
For past PhillyCheeze reviews and concert photos featuring Bernard Allison >
Phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=bernard+allison