Luther Allison
Bad News Is Coming

I resume my blues reviews, but not as usual starting from the historic "sacred monsters," but from a great bluesman a bit closer to us, namely Luther Allison and one of his albums that I love the most, which is "Bad News Is Coming" recorded in 1972 by Motown, the first blues LP recorded by this prestigious label, previously devoted essentially to soul and funk. However, as you read on, you'll understand why the label decided to start with this LP.
The album also marks the recording debut of Allison himself, a Chicago electric guitarist influenced by musicians like Freddie King (who was his mentor), Buddy Guy, and Otis Rush, but who then found his own sound and phrasing. He is a singer with a dark and powerful voice, with soul inflections and timbres.
The group accompanying him on the record includes Paul White on piano (and organ), Ray Goodman on rhythm guitar, Andrew Smith who plays both bass and drums, and Garfield Angove on harmonica.
The album opens explosively, with a compelling version of the classic by Willie Dixon "The Little Red Rooster" which immediately immerses us in the rapid expressive power that permeates the entire album. Luther has an intense voice, the guitar is electrifying, and he is supported by the band in a cohesive and vigorous manner. For me, this version is one of the most beautiful and successful reinterpretations I have ever heard.
The second piece is another Dixon song "Evil Is Going On" with darker tones and a contagious riff, very interesting is the use of Angove's dusty harmonica which serves as a counterpoint throughout the track. "Raggedy And Dirty", the only original on the album along with the title track, is a tight and energetic funky blues gem.
Allison treats "Rock Me Baby" by B.B. King in the best way, making it an exciting version enriched by a beautiful guitar solo alongside Paul White's dynamic piano playing, all framed by the ever-engaging rhythm section.
Now we come to the diamond of the album, "Bad News Is Coming", this is a song that penetrates the soul. Allison has managed to perfectly blend blues, soul, and funk, where technique, inventiveness, poetry, and heart are sublimely intertwined, creating a track of rare emotional intensity, where emotion goes hand in hand with power. In addition to his excellent guitar work, Luther intensifies the interpretation with a poignant voice and anguished screams, and the band follows closely, highlighting the mood. Also noteworthy is the piano/guitar duet which is legendary.
"Cut You A-Loose" is an old piece written by Mel London, Allison offers a rock-blues rendition where two splendid solos are set, first the crystalline piano by Smith and then the more robust and vibrant guitar by Luther.
The remastered CD also contains 4 extra tracks from the same recording sessions; they don't add much, in fact, they are substantially below the official album's songs, the only truly striking one, in my opinion, is "It's Been A Long Time" (an unreleased piece by Luther that unfortunately, I think, didn't find a place on the album released at the time due to its lengthy duration, over 10 minutes).
In conclusion, Luther Allison remains an important piece for Chicago blues and this "Bad News Is Coming" rightfully ranks among the classic blues albums.