First a Trickle then a Flood.The Birth of the Blues in Britain
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The Birth of the Blues in Britain: From a Trickle to a Flood
Overview
In the early 1960s, a group of curious young British music enthusiasts stumbled upon blues records from the Delta, Chicago, and Texas. The profound impact of these sounds transformed the music scene, making blues the centerpiece of youth culture. What started as a modest curiosity quickly blossomed into a movement that would change the world of music forever.
The Dawn of a Movement
Chris Barber’s Jazz Band, featuring the enchanting vocals of Ottilie Patterson, introduced the sounds of New Orleans to British jazz fans in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Barber's band served as a precursor to the British Blues Boom, and Lonnie Donegan, playing banjo, eventually became the Godfather of Skiffle. These early musical experiments paved the way for the next wave of musicians and set the stage for a monumental shift in the music scene.
My Personal Journey with Blues
My own introduction to the blues came from Barber’s remarkable album, New Orleans Joys. Though the track titles now escape me, the haunting melodies ignited a lifelong passion for blues, much like they did for countless other young enthusiasts of the time.
London Clubs: Breeding Grounds for Blues
By 1962, the blues scene was thriving in London, especially at iconic venues like the Marquee Club in Wardour Street, Soho. Alexis Korner became a pivotal figure, nurturing emerging talent through his band, Blues Incorporated. Notable musicians such as Cyril Davies, Mick Jagger, and Dick Heckstall-Smith were part of this vibrant scene. Their seminal live album at the Marquee, Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated, initiated a ripple effect that soon captured the attention of young music lovers everywhere.
John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers
In 1963, John Mayall, hailed as the "Godfather of British Blues," began performing at the Marquee. His band, the Bluesbreakers, became a revolving door of future music legends. Notable members included John McVie and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, Jack Bruce of Cream, and guitar virtuosos like Eric "Slowhand" Clapton and Peter Green. Despite turning 70 a few years ago, Mayall continues to perform with vigor, defying the notion that life slows at 40.
The Yardbirds: Catalysts of Change
The Yardbirds were a defining force in this era, known for their unmatched energy and stage presence. My first encounter with their electrifying performances came through school friends who were mesmerized by their guitarist, an 18-year-old Eric Clapton. His remarkable talent piqued widespread interest in blues, leading to a surge in guitar bands.
Clapton's Influence and the Gibson Les Paul
Clapton's association with the almost forgotten Gibson Les Paul revived its popularity. This instrument produced a sound reminiscent of Chicago blues from a decade earlier. Clapton’s groundbreaking performances and his use of the Les Paul elevated the blues to new heights.
In 1963, blues legend Sonny Boy Williamson toured Britain and recorded a live album with the Yardbirds, though it remained unreleased for years. This collaboration showcased the band's versatility, as they adapted to back the masterful Sonny Boy. Other blues icons like Howlin' Wolf and Son House also toured Britain, revitalizing their careers, and providing invaluable learning opportunities for emerging white blues musicians.
The Turning Point: Mayall and Clapton's Collaboration
The pivotal moment came in 1966 with the release of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton on the Decca label. This album featured Clapton’s first vocal performance on Robert Johnson's "Rambling on My Mind." The synergy between Mayall’s powerful barrelhouse piano and Clapton’s Les Paul guitar immortalized a piece of blues history, capturing the raw passion and essence of the British interpretation of the blues.
The Lasting Legacy of Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson’s legacy is integral to the birth of the blues in Britain. His virtuosity with the bottleneck and his enduring influence ensure that no blues band, past or present, can escape his impact. Johnson's genius continues to energize today's thriving blues scene on both sides of the Atlantic, securing his place as a timeless figure in music history.
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