Description
Roots music wasn't exactly a hot prospect in 1972, which might be why the blistering guitar-centered blues on Luther Allison's debut record didn't garner the respect it deserved at the time. Though it's unfortunate that he's no longer around to appreciate it, it's good to see that Allison is finally being recognized for the Chicago West Side master that he was, as a single spin of
Bad News Is Coming surely enough proves. Things get started with a hard-stompin', guitar-squealin' rendition of the classic Willie Dixon tune "Little Red Rooster," followed up with the riff-rooted "Evil Is Going On," also by Dixon. Another standout is the title track, a slow, moody piece with a perfectly bittersweet inflection. Then there's the considerably upbeat version of "Dust My Broom," which manages to dust off a hoary standard and make it sound brand-spanking-new, all while showing off guitar pyrotechnics worthy of Jimi Hendrix. This issue of Allison's debut also includes some worthy tracks that weren't on the original release. All four merit a listen, but particular attention should be paid to Allison's take on Freddy King's classic instrumental "The Stumble," which also features some admirable piano courtesy of Paul White.
--Genevieve Williams
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