This is a reissue of Luther's first album for Motown Records, originally released in 1972, and it is packed further with four previously unreleased bonus cuts from the same recording sessions. The Gordy label snagged Allison for three albums. The Arkansas-born guitarist had cut his teeth on the fervent West Side Chicago proving grounds. Having waxed with Delmark, Allison settled with Motown for three then-underappreciated albums. Despite the raw emotive blues and scorching axe action found on Bad News .., it never brought the national attention that Luther deserved. Now posthumously, it is recognized as classic material.
Joining Luther for these Hitsville sessions were Paul White on the piano; Ray Goodman at the second guitar spot; and Garfield Angove at the harmonica spot. Laying down the hard bottoms is bassist and drummer Andrew Smith. The effort was produced by Joe Peraino, and this material has been digitally remastered by Suha Gur.
Ripping out into Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster" and "Evil Is Going On", Luther busts loose with tremendous picking and sustain. Conquering the B.B. King "Rock Me Baby", Allison also strokes his blues-rock attack through Mel London's "Cut You A-Loose", and Elmore James' "Dust My Broom". His own "Bad News Is Coming" comes across with a foreboding forcefulness. The four bonus cuts include a sterling instrumental rendition of Freddy King's "The Stumble", an effervescent take on "Sweet Home Chicago, a blisteringly blue version of his "It's Been A Long Time", and the rolling closer, "Take My Love (I Want To Give It All To You)".
A highly captivating reissue capitalizing on Allison at his prime. Unfazed by popular British influences of the era, but resoundingly captivating a blues rock feel, Luther had all the right moves. Not till his repatriation in the mid-1990s did Luther recieve the attention that was obviously due him back when this was originally issued. This is only a further reinforcement of his musical legend and largess. Make sure you hear this!
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This review is copyright © 2002 by Mark A. Cole, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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