Bernard Allison travels more dynamic territory on Times Are Changing (Ruf 51416 1415 2; 64:46). From the slamming opener “I Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind” to the screaming slow blues of “Bad Love” and remakes of his father’s “Midnight Creeper” and “Life Is A Bitch,” Times marks the son as a chip off the old block. The solo acoustic “Don’t Be Confused” is a very personal tribute to his late father. Bernard shows his pop-funk hand on the Bootsy Collins/P-Funk flavored “Tell Me” and a take on Sly Stone’s “If You Want Me to Stay.” And he flaunts serious slide chops on the slow blues “New Girl in Town.” A major new talent on the blues scene, following in his father’s footsteps.
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