Bernie Marsden’s final Inspirations album ‘Stage’ reaches No. 1 on the Official UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart
Conquest Music is proud to announce that ‘Stage’, the final release in Bernie Marsden’s acclaimed Inspirations Series, has reached No. 1 on the Official UK Jazz & Blues Albums Chart in its first week of release.
Released as a double live album, Stage is a fitting final chapter to the career of one of British rock and blues’ most respected guitarists, songwriters and vocalists.
It is, of course, a bittersweet achievement. Bernie Marsden sadly isn’t here to celebrate this latest accolade, but his family can be rightly proud of an album that captures the remarkable breadth of his talent and serves as a lasting reminder of his contribution to music.
Conquest Music say “'It's such a shame that Bernie isn't here with us now to celebrate and enjoy his great achievement. I know his family are very proud of this well deserved accolade and rightly so.”
Guitarist, singer songwriter, and founding member of Toto, Steve Lukather comments “I truly wish Bernie was still here to enjoy this success!
He was a blues rock master .. one of the OG's, and my friend, and I miss him.
Congrats Bernie. You deserve this.”
With Bernie no longer here to oversee the final compilation and production of the album, Conquest Music set out to find live recordings that would represent every aspect of his musicianship, from his exceptional guitar playing and often underrated vocal ability to his considerable talents as a songwriter.
Rather than focus on a single performance, Stage brings together recordings from four different live shows spanning 1996 to 2020, creating a unique portrait of Bernie as a live performer across more than two decades.
The album takes in everything from traditional Chicago blues and Americana-influenced acoustic performances to British blues, showcasing the versatility that remained at the heart of Bernie’s music throughout his career. Among the highlights is a remarkable Les Paul guitar duel with Joe Bonamassa, recorded at Bernie’s final London show in 2020.
The result is an album that celebrates Bernie Marsden exactly where he belonged, on stage, playing the music he loved. Stage is both an enjoyable live collection and a fitting swan song for an artist whose influence and legacy continue to resonate.
The album has already received praise from press with Blues Magazine saying “As the finale to the successful ‘Inspirations’ series, STAGE stands as a loving tribute to a musician who was at his best on stage. For fans of British blues-rock and authentic live recordings, this is undoubtedly one of the year's most valuable releases.”
‘Stage’ is available now as a Double Vinyl Gatefold Sleeve LP and 2xCD Deluxe Digipack, featuring a 16-page booklet.
Buy the album:
Link to buy the album
https://www.conquestmusic.co.uk/
Youtube link to #1 album promo
Bernie Marsden - Stage
Bernie Marsden and Joe Bonamassa
