Luther Allison - Reckless

 Outstanding Blues Album
I have two of Bernard Allison's CD's and they are great, but I don't think I had ever heard his fathers music until now. This is a terrific album. There are a couple tunes that are perfect for swing dancing. Buy this album - you won't be disappointed. June 27, 2007

 Total Masterpiece
This is one seriously hot album. His guitar work on "You can, You can" is truly humbling to anyone who has ever picked up the instrument. He's so clean and precise yet funky and rockin it's amazing. March 24, 2007

 Luther's Swan Song
"Reckless" would prove to be Allison's final album. While on tour for this CD he developed a brain tumor and died only a few months later. I saw him only a week or so before the tumor was discovered. He played a 1500 seat sold out theater and did 3 hours non-stop. It was possibly the best blues show I have ever witnessed as he was on fire all night. I had tickets to see him again later in the summer, but unfortunately that show never happened. The album itself is strong, but not quite as good as his previous effort. This one has even more of a funky 70's vibe featured. Allison tackles social issues more in this album with several tracks including "There Comes A Time", "Pain In The Streets", and "Will it ever change". He also does a duet with his son Bernard (a great blues player in his own right) called "Playing A Loosing Game". The album also includes a great version of "Living In The House Of The Blues". January 25, 2007

 He came back, then he was gone....
One of the biggest lamentations in my life is that I heard Luther Allison for the first time right about the time he died. I caught a snatch of one of his "Reckless" tunes on a public radio station in Seattle and immediately bought this CD. And man oh man, it smokes. Sadly, so did Luther, and that's why he's no longer with us.

This album is one of the greatest blues albums ever. Every note Luther plays, every word he sings, is coming from his soul. Luther wrenches and coaxes the most emotional electric blues from a Les Paul that I've ever heard! And yet, unlike many electric blues players, Luther Allison never overdoes it - he's appropriate and tasteful at all times. Why? Because this guy was playing for decades before his talent was ever appreciated and recognized in the US.

It was heartbreaking to learn that this awesome, soulful, rocking, bluesman was dead. To see what I mean, watch his video concert "Live in Paradise" or listen to Live In Chicago.

If you enjoy blues on the electric guitar and are prepared to be blown away, buy this album. All beginning blues players should check it out, too. Every song on "Reckless" (with the exception of the acoustic duet with son Bernard) is a heartfelt tour-de-force. I'm so glad Luther recorded this album before cancer took him from us. The song "I'm Back" is bittersweet to hear, because it wasn't long after that that he was gone.... July 23, 2005

 The Best of The Bluesmen
What can I say other than that Luther Allison is the MAN. His music instills a fever that no water can extinguish. Luther left us early but his music remains a mainstay of what I would call the Blues at its' Utmost. This man is what the Blues is all about. Soul wrenching tunes that turn you on, and defintely up, to what is really happening in the world of BLUES. His guitar playing leaves nothing to be desired. If it does then you're in another world. Each tune is masterfully performed and holds every conisseur of Blues by the THROAT. If you're not a
fan of Luther then you are definitely not a fan of the BLUES. Listen to me when I say add this album to your collection. If you don't you'll be sorry. July 29, 2004

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