Bernard Allison brings family and friends together on Loving You

More than three decades after launching his solo career, Bernard Allison continues to develop his blend of blues, funk, R&B and rock. For his new album Loving You, due out on October 16, 2026, on Ruf Records, the American guitarist has invited several relatives, friends and longtime collaborators, including Devon Allman, Larry McCray, Victor Wainwright and Matthew Curry.

In the 1990s, Bernard Allison was regarded as one of the most promising young guitarists on the contemporary blues scene. The son of Luther Allison, he grew up with the legacy of Chicago blues and the influence of Texas guitarists such as Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan. With his first solo albums, released in the middle of the decade, he stepped out of his father’s shadow by developing a style that combined electric blues, funk and R&B.

More than thirty years and some twenty albums later, Bernard Allison has chosen to place family and friendship at the heart of his new record. Entitled Loving You, the album will be released on October 16, 2026, digitally, on CD and on vinyl.

An album made with family and friends

“I’ve always wanted to record an album, bringing family and friends together!!” explains Bernard Allison. Loving You has allowed him to fulfil that ambition by inviting several musicians he has met throughout his career. Guitarists Larry McCray, Devon Allman and Matthew Curry are among the guests, alongside pianist Victor Wainwright and violinist Heather Hardy.

The guitarist also wanted to involve his family in the record. His nephew Jasper Allison and niece Lyndsey Allison provide backing vocals on several tracks. Their presence is directly connected to the album’s meaning: “Loving You is simply showing my appreciation and respect for my family and friends.”

Stephen Johnson, also known as Stevie J Blues, plays an important role in the new line-up. A former member of Bobby Rush’s band, the Jackson, Mississippi musician plays rhythm guitar and co-wrote five of the album’s seven original songs. He joins a rhythm section featuring drummer Sam Butts Jr III, keyboardist Eric Roberts and longtime bassist George Moye.

“I decided to invite & collaborate with a selected group of musicians and family members. I placed them on tracks where I felt they could bring out their true emotions and musical passions,” says Bernard Allison.

Portrait of Bernard Allison smiling, wearing a black beret and a monochrome patterned shirt against a red background.

From electric blues to funk

Loving You remains faithful to the guitarist’s musical foundations while refreshing the formula through its numerous guests and the evolution of his band. “We created a well-rounded album full of surprises, while showing our appreciation to all of our musical influences & genres,” he explains.

The album opens with Left Me With My Guitar, a funk-infused electric blues song dedicated to the musician’s most faithful companion: his guitar. This first track is already available.

On 4 O’Clock In The Morning, seven-time Blues Music Award winner Victor Wainwright shares lead vocals with Bernard Allison and brings his distinctive piano style to the track. Time Traveler explores a more staccato form of funk, driven by the interplay between guitarists Larry McCray and Matthew Mwangi, who also co-wrote the song.

Despite its title, Slide On Over is not a slide guitar showcase. Instead, Bernard Allison opts for mellow, sensual soul, name-checking Marvin Gaye and Betty Wright along the way. The backing vocals of Jasper Allison and Lyndsey Allison reinforce this direction.

A tribute to Rick Derringer

The album then shifts towards rock with a new version of Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo. Matthew Curry joins Bernard Allison on guitar and vocals to pay tribute to its writer, Rick Derringer, a major figure in American rock who died on May 26, 2025, at the age of 77.

On Busted & Disgusted, Bernard Allison takes on the role of a down-on-his-luck gambler who cannot resist one final roll of the dice despite his desperate situation.

The title track, Loving You, returns to a funk-driven groove, supported by Devon Allman’s guitar and infectious handclaps from Larry “Doc” Watkins. Should I Wait then explores the uncertainty of an unstable relationship over a deep, soulful arrangement.

Soul remains at the forefront on Pay What You Owe Me. Heather Hardy’s string arrangements add richness to the song, while Stevie J Blues, Jasper Allison and Lyndsey Allison provide backing vocals.

The record closes with Blues Thang, four minutes of funk-infused blues that sum up Bernard Allison’s musical philosophy. “We layed down my blues foundation, with a taste of Funk, R&B, & Rock!! And we did it, The Allison Way!!!” concludes the guitarist.

With Loving You, Bernard Allison is not trying to overturn a formula patiently developed over several decades. He continues to sing the blues, play his guitar and travel the world while fully embracing his musical identity. We hope he will bring the album to France after several missed appointments this summer…

Bernard Allison – Loving You
📆 Out October 16, 2026
💿 Available digitally, on CD and vinyl
🏷️ Ruf Records
📷 Photo: Tino Sieland