Blues/rock artist Bernard Allison is at the point in his career where he must not only solidify his reputation as a songwriter but also build on the identity he has established for himself. As Luther Allison’s son, he inherited a great blues legacy, but as Bernard has noted, he isn’t supposed to be Luther Allison. “Higher Power” is an album Bernard can hang his hat on, for it features several fine original tunes; it also offers plenty of proof that Allison is a blues powerhouse in his own right. As a vocalist and lead guitarist, he is in the enviable position of sounding simultaneously edgy and polished. He cut this CD with touring bandmates Ron Sutton (drums) and Jassen Wilber (bass), and the chemistry they display in concert is very much in evidence in these studio tracks. “Higher Power” is the work of a mature blues artist, and is all the more impressive with Allison still in his 30s.—PVV