Review: Bernie Marsden 'Chess'

Bernie Marsden

By Joannie Penderwick

Legendary guitarist and founding member of Whitesnake Bernie Marsden released Chess, the follow-up to his chart-topping Kings (2021), on Nov. 26 via Conquest Music. Chess is the second album in Marsden’s “Inspiration Series,” where he crafts his own interpretations of songs from iconic artists who helped shape his musical style and taste.

The “Inspiration Series” came about thanks to a back-stage discussion Marsden had with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons about the musical heroes of their youth. As with Kings, Chess sees Marsden offer two original compositions and 10 classics that were originally released on Chess Records by greats such as Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, and Elmore James.

Chess features more than a carefully-curated homage to famous blues tracks, however. Marsden provides nuanced guitar virtuosity and soulful vocals and is backed by ace players John Gordon (bass guitar), Jim Russell (drums), Bob Haddrell (keyboards), and Alan Glen (harmonica). The band’s sparking energy comes through to meet the demands of such clap-along, dance-along tracks as Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA” thanks, in part, due to the fact that they recorded together live in one room. Their collaborative zeal saturates the album, leading to tasteful and sublime reimaginings of these familiar songs.

Throughout Chess, Marsden’s voice is fluid, competent, and shining. For instance, on the brilliantly-titled Little Milton track “Grits Ain’t Groceries,” Marsden’s voice rings strong and clear on the intro and toughens into just the right amount of grit as he growls “You know I love you, baby.” On “I’m Ready,” Bernie’s vocal is what truly distinguishes the cover from the original. Muddy Waters’ voice was deep and brooding, while Marsden’s brings an easy-going swagger to lyrics that boast about being ready to take on anything and anybody.

As is Marsden’s style, the mix highlights his singing, keeping it crisp and clear even on a song as musically bustling as “Back in the USA.” The real star of this album, of course, is Marsden’s famous guitar work, with Alan Glen’s harmonica chops getting plenty of time in the spotlight too.

Marsden makes “Just Your Fool,” originally recorded by Buddy Johnson, his own by adding in a funky rock guitar, while Glen’s prominent harp keeps this one tethered to its R&B roots. The interplay of the two instruments can also be heard on “I’m Ready,” where a quavering harmonica bleeds into a guitar solo built for swaying to, and “I Can’t Hold Out,” which opens with a quick, attention-grabbing conversation between harmonica and guitar.

The first version of “I Can’t Hold Out,” performed by Elmore James, was raw, plucky, and hoarse. Eric Clapton’s popular cover in ’74 veered toward the atmospheric and subdued. Marsden’s guitar defines his own cover as pure funky blues. Another showcase for Marsden’s emotional guitar playing is his slow cover of Albert King’s “Won’t Be Hanging Around.” His suspended, quivering notes meld with Jim Russell’s simmering drums to build a rich, contemplative environment.

“That’s Alright,” first performed by Jimmy Rogers, is a study in contradictions. The lyrics tell the story of betrayal and bad treatment, with the singer dismissing all slights with the phrase “But that’s alright.” The song largely relies on moody music to convey sorrow, but it’s intercut with spry notes that transform the would-be lament into a rallying cry. By slowing things down a little and punching up the mournful tone of the guitar, Marsden creates a straightforward blues masterpiece and, as he does so often on this album, makes it completely his.

The album’s two originals are “Lester,” a short, whistling number that demonstrates the fun of applying bluesy methods to a happy composition, and “Johnny,” a similarly brief, groovier instrumental that begs to be danced to in a smoky nightclub.

Marsden’s Chess is another successful effort that further establishes him as a modern-day blues master and interpreter. Highly recommended.

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