Loving You

Description

In the 1990s, Bernard Allison was considered one of the most prominent young talents on the contemporary blues scene. The son of blues legend Luther Allison, he draws his roots from both Chicago and Europe. Strongly influenced by his father, of course, as well as by Texas guitar giants Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan, he adds touches of funk and R&B to forge his unique sound. Thanks to his first solo albums released in the mid-90s, he managed to step out of his father’s shadow and quickly find his own audience, his own voice, and his own style. Today, after more than thirty years of career, Allison is a seasoned veteran with countless tours, festivals, and more than twenty albums to his name. Over time, he has become friends with many musicians; with his new album *Loving You*, he chose to celebrate these bonds as well as the vibrant spirit of the blues community. Among the guest stars are guitarists Larry McCray, Devon Allman and Matthew Curry, violinist Heather Hardy, piano virtuoso Victor Wainwright, as well as Bernard’s nephew and niece, Jasper and Lyndsey Allison, who provide heartfelt backing vocals. Allison also welcomes a new key collaborator in the person of rhythm guitarist Stephen Johnson (aka Stevie J Blues), co-writer of five of the album’s seven original compositions. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi and a former member of Bobby Rush’s band, he brings fresh energy to Allison’s excellent rhythm section, which also includes drummer Sam Butts Jr III, keyboardist Eric Roberts and longtime bassist George Moye. “I’ve always wanted to record an album bringing together family and friends!! *Loving You* is simply a way of expressing my gratitude and respect toward them. So I decided to invite a select group of musicians and family members to collaborate with me. I placed them on tracks where I felt they could let their deep emotions and musical passions shine through. We created a full album full of surprises, while paying tribute to our influences and favorite musical genres. We laid down a blues foundation, enhanced with touches of funk, R&B and rock!! And we did it the Allison way (“The Allison Way”)!!!” explains Bernard Allison (known as “BA” in the business). For Bernard, the essential thing has always been to sing the blues, play his guitar, travel the world, and bring you the very best of the blues. Enjoy listening!