The list is endless, but collectively, if you put together names like Clapton, Beck, Page, Gilmour, and Knopfler, they probably still would not command the same love, affection and admiration as the hugely missed British blues rock legend Bernie Marsden. Icons marks the fourth instalment in his Inspirations series, where he takes hits and deep cuts from his music heroes, and gives them his own unique twist.
Bernie Marsden – Icons
Release Date: Out Now
Words: Brian Boyle
While he is primarily known for his guitar work, it is easy to forget what an engaging singer Marsden was. His subtle take on the Derek And The Dominos classic Bell Bottom Blues does not try to outshine Eric Clapton’s anguished vocal. Instead, he drops a gear, but leaves you with something equally as moving.
A cover of Elmore James’s Shake Your Money Maker is Marsden high on Blues euphoria with the entire song galloping relentlessly, steered by the delicate touch of his well-seasoned slide.
Although originally the work of the great Mississippi icon, this wonderful rendition is more a joyous homage to the Peter Green blues era of Fleetwood Mac.
The hat is again tipped in Green and Mac’s direction with a misty-eyed Man Of The World retaining all its original emotion. But it is the funky punch of the hallowed Oh Well that gets the ears well and truly pricked.
Always a sticky one to cover, and over the years, Deep Purple, Billy Gibbons, Aerosmith and Kenny Wayne Shepherd all made decent fists of trying to recreate it. But with Marsden’s cut, you can genuinely feel the love and respect he has for Green’s showpiece.
Away from the Fleetwood Mac love-in, he runs the gauntlet with a souped-up Purple Haze that takes the Hendrix classic to new territory.
His deep fondness for Irish blues supremo Rory Gallagher is represented magnificently by his soulful delivery of Wheels Within Wheels.
It may not be one of the Ballyshannon man’s big hitters, but Marsden has given this lesser-spotted gem a good dusting down and has let it fly again.
The more familiar Calling Card is yet another one truly nailed. There are not many artists Gallagher fanatics would trust with this song, but the former Whitesnake man knows how to treat the blues, and this is a wonderful wink and salute to one of the genre’s true greats.
To some, Born Under A Bad Sign may just be famed Whitesnake lyrics from Fool For Your Loving, but this thrilling execution of Albert King’s 1967 signature tune will mean so much more to blues addicts. Marsden sounds right in his element here, his vocals strut, and the sizzling guitar solo has a voice all of its own.
Icons is an exquisite but bittersweet listen. It reminds us of what we lost in the great Bernie Marsden. But on the whole, this a celebration of one of blues rock’s most authentic artists.
Bernie Marsden: Icons is out now on Conquest Music. The album can be ordered from the special Bernie Marsden shop. Each order will also include an exclusive free Collectors’ Card.
