LEVERT ALLISON, apparently christened Leevert, never had as successful a musical career as his brother GENE, for whom he used to deputise anonymously on gigs! However, among the rather small number of secular singles that he released there are some real gems – and his voice, a high expressive baritone, was very fine indeed. Like Gene, he was primarily a Nashville artist, and recorded for local R & B entrpreneur Ted Jarrett. I’m Going Home is a classy chugging bluesy ballad, with Allison’s screaming vocals particularly strong over a big horn section and some stinging lead guitar. My All Is You is a more conventional southern deep ballad, with Levert more restrained, at least at the start of the number. The subtle horn touches are nicely judged, as is the organ that holds it all together. Hear That River is a doomy tale of grief, with a structure and arrangement straight from the church. The very tasty Eleventh House 45 is another sanctified number, taken at a slightly faster pace, featuring Levert at his best over a guitar and organ accompaniment. “Can You Handle It” is a goodish beat ballad

Allison is perhaps best known as one of the lead voices for the Dynamite Dixie Travellers gospel group who have cut several good LPs for Nashboro and Jarrett’s T-Jaye concern.