2018 –Ruf Records
Release Date : February 2,
2018
By Phillip Smith;
Jan 6, 2018
I have nothing but the highest of praise for Bernard
Allison’s latest album Let it Go. It’s a delightful blend of blues, funk and
soul. With this release, Bernard returns to Ruf
Records, the label Thomas Ruf created for his father, the late great
bluesman Luther Allison in 1994. Bernard’s
band is wonderfully tight and consists of rhythm guitarist John T. McGhee,
bassist George Moye, and drummer Mario Dawson. Recorded by the legendary music producer,
Jim Gaines, the album was recorded at Bessie Blue Studio in
Stantonville, Tennessee.
From the beginning, I’m hooked by the spirited
rhythm and bouncy groove on “Cruisin for a Bluesin”. It wonderfully ignites into a smoking guitar
performance. His soulful vocals on title
track “Let it Go” are suave and soulful. This is such a terrific song. There’s a definitely a bit of the P-Funk
influence on the front end of “Night Train”.
I love the bassline Moye throws down as Bernard takes this
fresh, funky track to the next level with his guitar mastery. Covered and topped with Dawson’s dynamic
drumming, this is one phenomenal listen.
Bernard charmingly
takes on Brook Benton’s 1960 hit single “Kiddio”, enlisting the
magnificent Jose Ned James on sax. For a fabulous finale, the listener
is treated to two wonderful covers originally recorded by his father, Luther. First served is the delicious slow-cooked blues
of “You’re Gonna Need Me”, from the 1982 album South Side Safari. Then for a captivating closer, Bernard beautifully
performs “Castle”, from Luther’s 1994 album Hand Me Down My Moonshine.
Over the years, Bernard Allison has continued
to push the envelope in his songwriting and artistry, and that certainly shows
in Let it Go.
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