Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Philosophy and temperament are normally passed down from one generation to the next, with a sprinkling of learning from others in between and yet we can see with almost perfect precision the depth of knowledge and wisdom gleaned by Bernard Allison from his much-missed father, Luther. It is arguably the easiest philosophy to grasp, that of leaving the ego at the door, and by doing so you embrace humility, a modesty that money cannot influence, and that pride cannot shatter.
The audience who joins an artist on the way not only needs such arrogance to be dispelled, they should actively encourage such unburdening as sign of greatness, and in that, as part of Ruf Records highly celebrated Songs From The Road series, Bernard Allison steps out of his father’s generous shadow, and sets a light that impossible to ignore, whilst entertaining all with songs that capture the highlight and love provided by both men.
Interpretation is one thing; connection is quite another and the join in between is based on mutual respect; a virtue carried with serious authenticity by the son and blessed by the father in sad absence. This is presented to the listener in the absolute candour of the performer as he brings memories of his father’s place in the fan’s hearts with a stunning rendition of Luther’s Life Is A Bitch; a mean, complete and overwhelmingly honest seduction of the ears that rekindles the basics of life, that of being serenaded by a voice of reason.
As one can only ever dream, Night Train roars the album’s engine to life and is quickly followed by in depth scintillation and inspiration to which the master of his trade swaps with smiles and beautiful serenity. With songs such as You’re Gonna Need Me, I Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, Call Me Momma, Cruisin For A Bluesin, Meet Me Half Way and Backdoor Man, the great sound of the Chicago Blues is once more greeted by an audience that cannot contain the emotional bind they have with the music. It is a bond that the listener would no doubt experience and wish they could witness first-hand.
A live performance that is unhindered by excess, that is forthright in its praise, and one that embraces the point of stories told, that they must live on, they must remain a deafening heartbeat in time.
Bernard Allison releases Songs From The Road via Ruf Records on January 31st.
Ian D. Hall