BERNIE MARSDEN – Trios (2022)

Many will know guitarist BERNIE MARSDEN for being a founder member of Whitesnake, one of the biggest hard rock bands of all time, and writing the iconic global smash, “Here I Go Again”. Since leaving Whitesnake 40 years ago, Bernie has forged an impressive solo career, culminating in two UK Top 40 selling albums in 2021 with ‘Kings’ then ‘Chess’. Both were #1 in the Blues Charts and resulted in him receiving the Lord of the Blues award by HRH.
2022 Marsden is back – it’s always a pleasure to see him active – with a new CD titled ”Trios”, where the legendary British guitarist delivers another master class in classic rock history.
After his blues tribute albums ‘Kings’ and ‘Chess’ both released past year, on ”Trios” Bernie Marsden now recreates tracks by his favourite guitarists leading power trios, using his own three-piece completed by drummer Jimmy Copley (who passed away in 2017) and bassist David Levy (who was with Rory Gallagher on his final tours). The sessions date from 2007 but are previously unreleased.
This album does allow the harder rocking side of Marsden come to the fore, with some killer work both with guitar and vocally throughout, from Jimi Hendrix to Leslie West / Mountain.

Bernie’s workout on ‘Never in my Life’ would have made Leslie West smile, for it is a fine version of the Mountain classic, and the addition of the instantly recognisable riff from ‘Nantucket Sleighride’ is a beauty of an addition. Marsden also plays the vocals superbly, bringing his own style rather than trying to imitate the now-departed Mountain frontman.

There’s a double Hendrix trip here, unsurprising given the man’s influence on so many guitarists of Marsden’s era. First up is ‘Drifting’ which is one of Hendrix’s most delicate songs. Marsden gives this a beautiful touch and feel, making it his own whilst ensuring the integrity of the original.
In contrast, ‘Spanish Castle Magic’ sees Marsden ripping out the heaviness which is a feature of the original and he also manages to maintain the trippy feel which is essential.

Robin Trower is a much-loved guitarist who is deservedly included here, Marsden bringing a great version of ‘The Rolling Stoned’ to the table. Once more Marsden brings his own flicks and tricks to give the song his own flavour, and it works particularly well here.
The underrated James Gang deservedly get the full works with a cracking version of ‘Funk 49’

The oldest song here, ‘Outside Woman Blues’ – first recorded by ‘Blind’ Joe Reynolds in 1929 – is covered in homage to Clapton as on Cream’s Disraeli Gears in 1967. From that same year comes Peter Green rarity ‘Driftin’ Blues’, which he recorded alongside Mick Fleetwood and John McVie pre-Fleetwood Mac.
The album closes with a great new take on Cozy Powell’s ‘Na Na Na’ (featuring one B. Marsden, and a hit in 1974).

In all these songs Marsden demonstrates his respect, passion, and pride in playing some legendary ‘power trio’ songs, performed with a rocking approach. As said, it’s great to see Bernie busy and delivering such quality stuff.
In all, another master class in rock history.
Highly Recommended

01 – Black Cat Moan
02 – Driftin’ Blues
03 – Funk #49
04 – Never In My Life
05 – Outside Woman Blues
06 – Drifting
07 – Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo
08 – Same Old Story
09 – Spanish Castle Magic
10 – Too Rolling Stoned
11 – Na Na Na

Bernie Marsden – vocals, guitars
Jimmy Copley – drums
David Levy – bass

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www.amazon.com/Trios-Bernie-Marsden/dp/B0B4H28SBQ