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(guitars) do just that. It is delightful and outstanding at the same time: Fabulous bass lines
intermixed with controlled and inventive guitar work.
The subject matter of the ten tracks ranges through the angst of post-modern attitudes to sex and
lust, working under the control of unseen forces, the wages of consumerism and the difficulties
encountered when dealing with the bouncers on the doors of the music business. These thought
provoking themes are beautifully supported by the work of Steve Gibson, drums & percussion,
Jonny Henderson, keyboards, Gabriele Del Vecchio, extra keys and Maria Saalfeld Reis, percussion
of the clapper family.
‘The Language of Curiosity’ is released on November 5, 2021, on Supertone Records and is available
to preorder now direct from the band’s website, Amazon, iTunes and in all major outlets.
Get it ordered NOW.
Ian K. McKenzie
Bernie Marsden—Kings—Conquest Music
Since the heady days of being a founder member of Whitesnake,
Bernie Marsden has developed into one of the best British blues
guitarists. His new album, “Kings”, as the name suggests pays
homage to Albert, BB and Freddie King.
The album opens with ‘Don’t You Lie To Me’ with a rhumba feel
and some great guitar tone to get this album off to a flying start.
Broonzy’s ‘Key To The Highway’ has a drum intro that leads into
a nice laid back version of this classic song. It is so hard to play
such a well known tune and make it your own but here Bernie
pulls it off.
Whilst ‘I’ll Play The Blues For You’ is well played by the band throughout and features some lovely
Hammond organ, it just doesn’t quite work for me, probably because I think no one can touch
Albert Kings version!
‘Woman Across The River’ is a slow blues with some great guitar and has a slight John Mayall vibe
about it. ‘Me And My Guitar’ immediately brings to mind Freddie’s ‘Texas Cannonball’ album but
this version stands up on its own as a great rocking blues and a nice ‘Going Down’ style ending. I
really liked this one. Speaking of Freddie, ‘You Got To Love Her With Feeling’ sounds great too and
Bernie carries that bit of humour in the lyrics that makes you smile.
‘Runaway’ is a Marsden original instrumental and has a ‘Hideaway’ feel about it and another
Marsden original instrumental ‘Uptown Train’ closes the album.
Bernie Marsden may not be Bobby Bland but his voice has both presence and poise, and he has
great delivery too. His guitar playing is superb throughout and he is definitely on top of his game
here. He has such a great tone and great execution and does not overplay but makes every single
note count. Whilst undoubtedly paying homage to the Kings you can also hear shades of Eric
Clapton and Gary Moore in his guitar work too, such is the legacy the Kings created.
The rhythm section of John Gordon on bass and Jim Russell drums are tight and hold everything
together, whilst Bob Haddrell really embellishes the overall sound with some wonderful keys. This