Five Records That Changed My Life, Part 5: Marco Mendoza
Bassist and vocalist Marco Mendoza is best known as a former member of Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy. His career also includes working with Ted Nugent, Blue Murder, John Sykes, The Dead Daisies, Black Star Riders, Lynch Mob, Neal Schon, Dolores O’Riordan, Bill Ward and many more. He is currently working on his forthcoming solo album “Take It To The Limit”, the follow up to 2018’s terrific “Viva La Rock”. Roppongi Rocks’ Stefan Nilsson had a chat with Marco to find out what records were his biggest influences.
The Beatles “Abbey Road” (1969)
“The first album I ever owned was ‘Abbey Road’ by the Beatles. It was definitely a pivotal time for me as I was introduced to rock’n’roll which ended up being the reason why I play music today.”
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young “Déjà Vu” (1970)
“’Déjà Vu’ from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young was another album that we started listening to and got introduced to what would be considered folk and rock’n’roll, alternative music and the ultimate in vocal harmonies. Great inspiration. To this day one of my favourite things to do in music are harmonies.”
Grand Funk Railroad ”Closer to Home” (1970)
“I want to say I learned and studied the bass playing of Mel Schacher and the vocals of Mark Farner and played so many songs from this band live together with my brother Carlos Mendoza (RIP). Much of this trio’s music was ahead of its time in my opinion and introduced me to what would be considered as Southern rock and opened the door to bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ted Nugent, etc.”
The Allman Brothers Band “At Fillmore East” (1971)
“The next album was The Allman Brothers Band ‘At Fillmore East’. One of the epics of that album was ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed’ and we used to play it live. Quite an accomplishment for a young garage band. Great music!”
Stevie Wonder “Talking Book” (1972)
“To be honest now that I’m thinking about it, there were tons of albums that I would listen to and that inspired me to be a musician. Too many to mention here, but if I have to pick one more I have to say ‘Talking Book’ by Stevie Wonder.”
“The first Jaco Pastorius solo album, ‘Jaco Pastorius’ (1976), would definitely impact the world of bass and inspire so many, including myself. Next time maybe we can go for the 100 albums, at least, that changed my life? I have to mention ‘Let It Bleed’ by The Rolling Stones (1969), the first King Crimson album ‘In the Court of the Crimson King’ (1969), ‘Tarkus’ by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1971), ‘Fragile’ by Yes (1971), ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ by Pink Floyd (1973), ‘Heavy Weather’ by Weather Report (1977), etc, etc.”
