A True Soul Man
5
By hinesight studios
Luther Allison was one of the best blues artists of his day, (certainly one of the best-kept secrets), and this album proves it. Although he did live in Paris for most of the 80's, he would return now and then to play small venues, around the Chicago area for the most part, including a few stints with his young son, Bernard Allison, who would go on to become a blues man like his father.
We saw him working many of these songs "live' several times, including a couple shows with Bernard, at Illinois State University in Normal. In the 90's he continued to push his brand of the blues, perfecting songs like these in places like Madison, WI., his "second home" while in the States, and the place he returned to often before he died in '97.
Each time we saw him perform, it seemed like he was getting better, finding his groove, advocating the Chicago-blues style and adding his own twists. The energy he displayed on stage is apparent in this album, one of his best. Songs like "Gave It All" could be a commentary on his relationship with (and his life with), his music as much as anything else.
This album, released 3 years before his unfortunate death, showcases a true Chicago blues man many feel was just hitting his stride. The entire album is worthy of any solid blues collection.
