Bernard Allison released his first solo album 36 years ago, but he has played the blues since he was a kid, performing two songs with his dad, Luther Allison, on his father's live album recorded in Peoria in the late '70s when he was 13. He has become one of the mainstays of the modern blues scene, releasing over 20 albums and touring constantly.

For his latest release on Ruf Records, Loving You, Allison decided to bring together a select group of musicians as well as family members, all contributing to his irresistible mix of blues, funk, R&B, and rock n' roll.

Allison and singer/guitarist Stevie J Blues met a couple of years ago on a blues cruise and decided to join forces on Loving You. Stevie J plays rhythm guitar throughout and collaborated with Allison on five of the ten songs.

Also backing Allison are drummer Sam Butts Jr. III, keyboardist Eric Roberts, and his longtime bassist George Moye. Also appearing on selected tracks are guitarists Larry McCray, Devon Allman, Mathew Mwangi, and Matthew Curry, keyboardist Victor Wainwright, and violinist Heather Hardy.

Allison and Stevie J wrote the album opener, “Left Me With My Guitar,” which is a tasty mix of funk and blues where Allison finds solace in the companion who never lets him down. On a hard-charging read of B.B. King's “4 O'Clock In The Morning (Waiting On You),” Allison is joined on vocals by Victor Wainwright,with the seven-time BMA winner adding some rollicking keyboards to the tune.

McCray and Mwangi join Allison for guitar fireworks on the funky blues “Time Traveler,” written by Allison and Mwangi and recently released as a single. “Slide On Over,” written by Allison and Stevie J, is a lush, soulful slow burner which includes Stevie J alongside Jasper and Lyndsey Allison (Bernard's nephew and niece) on background vocals.

The late Rick Derringer's “Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo” is ably handled by Allison and company, with guest vocalist and guitarist Matthew Curry. The mid-tempo urban blues “Busted & Disgusted” was written by Allison and Chris Beard, and is a tale of a man trying to gamble his way out of a dry spell.

On the title track Allison teams with Allman for a romp through '70s era soul complete with wah-wah guitar and Stevie Wonder-esque keyboards from Roberts (plus hand claps from Larry “Doc” Watkins).

Allison always includes one of his father's tunes on his albums, and this time he covers “Should I Wait,” a tune Luther recorded twice (once on Blind Pig's Serious and again on Alligator Records' Blue Streak) in decidedly different versions. Bernard's version sticks closer to the funky blues his dad delivered on Serious.

The last two tracks were written by Allison and Stevie J Blues. “Pay What You Owe Me” is a solid soul blues with Stevie J and Jasper and Lyndsey on backing vocals. Hardy's violin gives the track an elegant and unique feel.

The closer, “Blues Thang,” is a tough and edgy slice of blues and funk that serves as a fine mission statement for his music. Longtime Allison fans will love it.

Loving You might be Bernard Allison's best effort to date. It's definitely his most personal release. All of the guest artists do a great job, and I think the collaboration between Allison and Stevie J Blues works wonderfully. Their songs would be a perfect fit in either artists' catalog, and hopefully they will record together again in the future.

In the meantime, blues fans are strongly encouraged to check out this excellent release.

--- Graham Clarke