Bad News Is Coming
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 ofBad News Is Comingsurely enough proves. Things get started with a hard-stompin', guitar-squealin' rendition of the classicWillie Dixontune "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 ofJimi 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 onFreddy King's classic instrumental "The Stumble," which also features some admirable piano courtesy of Paul White.--Genevieve Williams