What is British Blues?
British blues is a genre of music deeply rooted in American blues traditions, yet it evolved into a unique style that gained significant traction in the late 1950s and flourished in the 1960s. It distinguished itself by its emphasis on electric guitar and became a global phenomenon, producing legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Yardbirds, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin.
Origins of British Blues
The Early Exposure
British audiences were first introduced to American blues during the 1930s through various channels:
- American GIs: Blues records brought to Britain by African-American GIs stationed there during World War II.
- Merchant Seamen: Records arrived in port cities like London, Liverpool, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Belfast.
- Imports: Illegal imports of blues music found their way into the UK, sparking interest among jazz enthusiasts.
British jazz musicians of the era, familiar with artists like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, and Fats Waller, incorporated blues elements into their performances. By the mid-1950s, major record labels like HMV and EMI, particularly Decca Records, began distributing American jazz and blues records in the UK.
Skiffle’s Role
The skiffle craze of the late 1950s played a pivotal role in introducing British audiences to blues. Artists such as Lead Belly were covered by skiffle acts like Lonnie Donegan. As the popularity of skiffle waned and British rock and roll took centre stage, many skiffle musicians transitioned into blues.
The Pioneers of British Blues
Cyril Davies and Alexis Korner
- Cyril Davies: A guitarist and blues harpist who managed the London Skiffle Club in Soho.
- Alexis Korner: Another pivotal figure, Korner worked alongside Davies and jazz bandleader Chris Barber, incorporating R&B elements into Barber’s shows.
Together, Davies and Korner founded the London Blues and Barrelhouse Club in 1957, marking a shift toward electric blues inspired by Muddy Waters’ amplified sound. Their band, Blues Incorporated, became a hub for emerging blues talent.
The Formation of Blues Incorporated
Blues Incorporated was instrumental in shaping British blues. Members included future stars like:
- Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, and Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones)
- Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker (Cream)
- Graham Bond and Long John Baldry
British Rhythm and Blues
The Expansion of R&B
While some bands remained true to blues purism, others broadened their scope to include rhythm and blues (R&B), drawing inspiration from artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, and Bo Diddley.
Key Bands and Their Contributions
- The Rolling Stones: Early recordings included blues standards and rhythm and blues hits, propelling them to international fame.
- The Yardbirds: Featuring guitar legends Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, the Yardbirds pushed the boundaries of blues.
- The Animals: With Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals, they brought hits like “House of the Rising Sun” to prominence.
- The Kinks: Known for their innovative guitar work and songwriting, they blended R&B with rock.
- Manfred Mann: Led by Paul Jones, the band infused jazz influences into the British blues scene.
The Mod Movement
The British Mod subculture embraced rhythm and blues, leading to the rise of bands like:
- The Who: Initially focused on “maximum rhythm and blues” before transitioning to Mod-inspired original music.
- The Small Faces: A band deeply rooted in the Mod ethos.
The British Blues Boom
Key Figures and Albums
The British blues boom saw a focus on instrumental virtuosity and purist blues styles. John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers played a central role:
- Eric Clapton’s Influence: Clapton’s work on Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (1966) set a benchmark for British blues guitarists.
- Peter Green and Fleetwood Mac: Green, along with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, founded Fleetwood Mac, producing timeless blues hits.
The Role of the American Folk Blues Festival
The American Folk Blues Festival tours, organized by German promoters Horst Lippmann and Fritz Rau, were crucial in spreading blues across Europe. British audiences experienced performances by legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, inspiring a new wave of musicians.
Acoustic vs. Electric Blues
Acoustic blues persisted in the UK folk scene, championed by artists like Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, and Davy Graham. However, the electrification of blues by British artists overshadowed acoustic traditions.
Blues Rock and Beyond
The Emergence of Blues Rock
Bands like Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Ten Years After, Savoy Brown, and Free blended blues with rock elements, creating the blues rock genre.
- Cream: A supergroup featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, known for their power trio format and extended live jams.
- Fleetwood Mac: Achieved commercial success with albums and singles like “Albatross.”
- Free: Known for Paul Kossoff’s guitar work and stripped-down blues influences.
- Ten Years After: Alvin Lee’s virtuosic guitar skills brought the band international acclaim.
The Transition to Rock and Heavy Metal
By the late 1960s, British blues evolved into other rock genres:
- Led Zeppelin: Blended heavy blues with amplified rock, paving the way for hard rock and heavy metal.
- Black Sabbath: Transitioned from blues to create a darker, heavier sound synonymous with metal.
- Deep Purple: Fused blues influences with progressive rock to craft a distinctive heavy sound.
Decline of British Blues
The Changing Musical Landscape
By the 1970s, British blues saw a decline as musicians transitioned to progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal. Clubs and festivals that once supported the genre disappeared, and only a few artists, like Alexis Korner and John Mayall, remained dedicated to blues.
Legacy and Impact
Despite its decline, British blues left a lasting legacy, influencing countless genres and introducing American blues to a global audience.
