Tales Of Marshall & Muddy

Marshall Chess has always been an entrepreneur. The son of Leonard Chess, founder of the label of the same name, he would launch the Rolling Stones’ label for them and work on many groundbreaking projects over the years. Most recently he’s been instrumental in the rise of reggaeton and steered the Chess Moves concept that “retrofied” Chess classics, with Keith LeBlanc re-inventing the music of Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Slim and Muddy Waters. Back in 1968, Marshall was the man who recognised a slump in the blues/folk revival that had propelled Muddy Waters to cross over to a white audience keen to embrace authentic music. Following the success of Hendrix and his effect on music, the lightbulb of inventiveness went on and the concept of Muddy Waters’ music given a funky, psychedelic overhaul was born. The album sold well for a blues opus, but purists were not impressed. The album was eventually deleted and remained unavailable for many years during which time its cult status grew, as the market for acidic blues with a soulful funk-tinged edge became the coolest place to be. Mint copies went for big bucks and DJs spun the album further growing the myth. And how does it sound now? With a cover of the Stones’ Let’s Spend The Night Together and his own Mannish Boy, I Just Want To Make Love To You and I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man, it’s nothing short of superb. Muddy Waters - Electric Mud