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Bernard Allison

"Times Are Changing"

Ruf 51416 1415 2

Bernard has put out one helluva great party album here! If you’ve seen any of his 3 recent concerts in South Florida, you know whereof I speak. I can’t Get You Out Of My Mind gets the beat going right out of the chute. This track was co-written with his Master of ceremony, party animal trumpet player, Boney Fields, and sets the tone for the fun that’s to come. It’s a great lead track and would be a strong candidate for a hit single if commercial radio didn’t have its head up its …well you know what I mean. The first of 3 of daddy Luther Allison’s cuts included here is up next, Bad Love. This is one of Luther’s signature songs and Bernard does it up righteously, indeed.

After the death of his father, the heat from the spotlight that’s been following Bernard everywhere he goes has got to be a cross to bear. People passing judgement on him and trying to hold him up to their ideals or standards. check Yourself may be in response to those who would so dare. Don’t Be confused is presented as both an acoustic and electric version. This is a very personal song about the emotions he’s felt dealing with his fathers passing. It’s a heartfelt tune, but I wish he didn’t believe he has to "replace" his father. No one should be held to measure up to another.

Having heard one of Bernard’s early 90’s European releases, I knew he had a lot more than blues influences. That disc had lots of rock ‘n’ roll and R ‘n’ B plastered all over it. So it was no surprise to see Sly & The Family Stones’ If You Want Me To Stay included here. This along with Tell Me, Midnight creeper, Life Is A Bitch, Real Mother ‘Fa ‘Ya and his duet with Bobby Rush on his In The Morning, puts this release more in the R ‘n’ B category than a blues one. But, you won’t find me complaining about it. I happen to like my blues with a dash of soul and a pinch of funk.

If you’re looking for some slow blues, you’ll find it with New Girl In Town. Plenty of nice slide playing here. The Way Love Was Meant To Be is a romantic ballad that’s sure to set the mood for a nice slow jam.

Recorded in Memphis by producer Jim Gaines, who also was behind the last few Luther discs, this could be the break out release for Bernard. It deserves to be. It’s made my Top 10 for 1998.

Ken Torvik