right-track

Any British lovers of this amazing Chicago based record label can watch the story of Chess Records on the BBC iPlayer.
Even if none of the following genres interest you, it's a must see for any music lover with an interest in music history.
The label specialised in blues, R&B, soul, gospel music, early rock and roll, and occasional jazz releases. Not to mention being responsible for some classic Northern Soul tunes.
Artists signed to Chess (amongst many others) include;
Bo Diddley, The Flamingos, Benny Goodman, Fontella Bass, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Gene Chandler, Tony Clarke, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Ramsey Lewis Trio etc.

BBC - BBC Four Programmes - Legends, Roll over Beethoven - The Chess Records Saga

someonecompletelyrandom

Do lovers of the label have to be British?

right-track

Of course not, but they do to view iPlayer, unfortunately.

someonecompletelyrandom

That is unfortunate. I'm really interested in learning about this now.

right-track

^ This is the best I can do.
The standing Chess Records has in influencing modern music should never be underestimated. Sadly, I think it is.
While members here know lots about current music trends, I wonder how many are familiar with it's roots?

someonecompletelyrandom

Thanks so much for posting that. It's right up my alley. I like to think of myself as someone who's explored the roots of today's music, but I had never even heard of this label until now. Really enjoying learning about it.

Janszoon

You might like the movie Cadillac Records. It's all about Chess records and a pretty good flick IMO. Though it should be said that it's not entirely historically accurate.

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someonecompletelyrandom

I've heard about that. I'm going to see if I can Netflix it tonight.

SATCHMO

Thank you, David, for restoring my faith in MB, and humanity in general. I can't believe there hasn't been a Chess Records thread created on here already. I'm wondering just how much of this you got stashed away on 45.

right-track

Not as much as you might think SATCHMO.
The vinyl Chess records I own are almost without exception related to R&B and Northern Soul. It's how I first became aware of Chess Records and it's place in music history.

Particularly with Ramsey Lewis and his instrumental (2nd vid) of the traditional slave spiritual song 'Wade In The Water', (directly below)
Read the opening text for some fascinating background.
I put this in here to demonstrate modern music's beginnings in slave songs, through Gospel, Blues, R&B, Rock 'n' Roll etc. etc.
And to show how it influenced early musicians through labels like Chess;



In the video below Ramsey Lewis gives it a jazz twist with a 4 bar intro. Incredible musician!



Another personal Chess favourite I own is Tony Clarke's 'Landslide'.
Great brass section along with a driving beat.