Luther Allison

CD - Underground

Play 90 second soundbite of 'Drivin' Wheel' @ 'CD quality'

'Underground' by Luther Allison is recently discovered set of studio recorded tracks originally laid down in 1958. After laying undiscovered for nearly fifty years it's now not only possible but absolutely just that this fantastic work gets to see the light of day. Worth waiting for? You betcha!! 'Underground' is the mutt's nuts!! Electric blues at its best and most genuine. A fantastic album that tells much about this great bluesman without having to rely on modern recording wizardry and gadgetry! Real, from the heart, from the soul blues that'll amaze you as much as it'll entertain you.

Not surprisingly, 'Underground' is very 'retro' in feel; coming from an era when musicians didn't have much more available to them than their basic instruments and their voices, this is as genuine and as brilliantly 'raw' as it gets. Real down home and 'grubby' rather than over-produced and dirty, 'Underground' feels quite stunning; the naivety of the recording techniques back then may not seem very appealing now but it really brought about an honesty in the finished sound - probably a quality that can only be realised by re-visiting work from that era and comparing them with today's digitally afflicted recordings!. Allison shows what a superb and consummate professional he was at that time; maybe only eight tracks, but eight magnificently handled, early electric blues gems to marvel at and enjoy as they were meant to be enjoyed

It's amazing just how good 'Underground' comes across - nothing's over-played, it's supremely uncluttered and benefits from its charming naivety and wonderfully laid back feel. No fx, just loads of 'clean' guitar that's allowed to work brilliantly with its unfussy but empathetic organ accompaniment and crisp, punctuative rather than brash, rhythm section. There's nothing 'flashy' here, just honest-to-goodness, sweet and sensual blues done to an absolute turn - a joy to behold!. 'Underground' is an absolute treasure of heartfelt American blues of the highest calibre. Please don't be put off by the 'studio recordings from 1958' label - this is sensational stuff and the music industry will be a better place for its 'better late than never' release.

Rammed with songs that you'll recognise from the many 'covers' that have ensued over the years, 'Hide Away', 'Don't Start Me Talking', 'Drivin' Wheel', 'Cut You loose', 'Easy Baby', 'You're Gonna Miss Me', 'Take My Love' and 'Rock Me Baby', 'Underground' by Luther Allison is simply superb, a divine piece of blues magic that stands up well and holds its own against anything that's out there. Blues heaven - pure and simple!!

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