He's best known as one of the founding members and songwriters of Whitesnake. But, before that, guitarist Bernie Marsden was like so many of his contemporaries, inspired by the blues records that gave birth to the British Blues boom of the 1960s. His latest record, 'Chess' is a tribute to the artists, the music, and the label that inspired him and so many others.
The album features a classic collection of songs by Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters and Elmore James, alongside two original instrumentals by Marsden himself.
Early highlights include Chuck Berry’s ‘Back In The USA’, Muddy Waters’ ‘I’m Ready’ and Bo Diddley’s ‘You Can’t Judge A Book’.
It sounds like Marsden had fun recording this album. The music is bright, toe tapping and energetic. Recording with a full band in the studio the production harkens back to the sounds of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac.
Letting rip on slide guitar, Marsden more than does justice to the Elmore James classic ‘I can’t Hold Out’. The laid back tempo of Albert Kings penned ‘Won’t Be Hanging Around’ allows Marsden to demonstrate his ability to play soulful blues guitar.
‘Chess’ is more than just a cover album. It’s a living breathing tribute to a collection of musicians and music that inspired a generation and beyond. Bernie Marsden and his band have lovingly recreated that sound on this record that’s as vibrant and fresh as it was when the songs were first released.