Review: Bernard Allison ‘Highs & Lows’ with Exclusive Video

Bernard Allison

By Martine Ehrenclou

World class contemporary bluesman Bernard Allison reunites with Grammy-winning producer Jim Gaines for his new release, Highs & Lows, out February 25 on Ruf Records, featuring guests Bobby Rush and Colin James.

Highs & Lows is a joyous blast of funky blues with Bernard Allison at his absolute best. A six-string guitar master, Allison’s vocals have never been better and the 11 songs are pure blues bliss. This might just be Allison’s best album yet. “Just to be able to create music again after the pandemic,” Bernard says, “was incredible.” And that enthusiasm permeates each of the tracks.

The son of famed Chicago bandleader Luther Allison, Bernard taught himself to play guitar at the age of 10 and furthered his guitar skills with guidance from Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Right out of high school he toured the world with blues great Koko Taylor’s Blues Machine, before becoming bandleader, guitarist and writer for his father’s band while embarking on his own solo career, which exploded in Europe.

Recorded at Bessie Blue Studios in TN, Highs & Lows is a long-awaited musical celebration. You can hear the camaraderie and energy in the opening track, “So Excited,” a blues/rock burner about getting back on the road again after the pandemic. It kicks off a dynamic selection of such well- written songs, a blend of blues, funk and R&B. Allison’s mighty band includes George Moye on bass, Dylan Salfer on guitar, Steve Potts on drums, Toby Lee Marshall on keyboards, and José James on saxophone. There’s something to be said for musicians who have been together for a long time; there’s a certain synergy and telepathy between them.

Allison’s opening guitar riff on “Highs & Lows” is so innovative and fresh, he plays it solo before the band kicks in. About life’s ups and downs, this is a funky beast of groove. With guitar thrills throughout, Allison is having a blast with his band, his vocals spot on with phrasing and tone. Moye lends his monster bass chops, creating a deep pocket with Salfer on guitar and Potts on drums. A party anthem for breaking out after the pandemic, this tune deserves to be cranked up loud.

Another standout, “My Way Or The Highway” sees lauded Canadian bluesman Colin James sharing vocals and guitar parts with Allison on this jazzy, jump blues number. The two of them together are a slice of magic. With distinctly different guitar styles and feel, they trade off riffs and solos. Lively with swing, this track boasts smooth, soulful vocals from both of them.

Bernard’s godfather Bobby Rush appears on the ultra-funky “The Hustler” with his trademark, expert harmonica and husky vocals. With a deep old-school groove, this tune sounds like it was written just for Rush by Bernard and Andrew Thomas. “I’m a natural born hustler, it’s in my blood,” sings the two-time Grammy winner. With lush horns and sweet guitar, it’s made for the dance floor.

As with all of Bernard Allison’s releases, he pays tribute to his father with “Now You Got It” and “Gave It All,” two horn-infused Luther Allison gems with rhythm to burn. Bernard has spent the last quarter of a century including his father’s music on his solo albums; the last two are the highly acclaimed Let It Go (2018) and Songs From The Road (2020), both produced by Jim Gaines.

Closing out the party is “Last Night,” a mix of slow blues and up-tempo rhythm changes. A song of betrayal and conflict, it’s a horn and organ-filled feast that features Allison’s growl and ripping guitar.

A delight from start to finish, Bernard Allison’s Highs & Lows is a winner.

Watch Exclusive Video “So Excited”