In the heart of Ealing, a musical revolution quietly unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of music history. The Ealing Jazz Club, nestled at 42A, The Broadway, Ealing, first opened its doors in January 1959 under the stewardship of the Teheran-born student Fery Asgari. What transpired within its walls over the years would resonate far beyond the confines of this unassuming venue.
The Birth of a Sonic Hub
Asgari, managing the club for fellow students of Ealing Technical College, had initially experimented with different venues, including Ealing Town Hall. However, it wasn’t until the club settled at its iconic location that the magic truly began. Jazz nights pulsated through its space on Thursdays and Fridays, while Saturdays were dedicated to the soulful rhythms of R&B.
Echoes of the Blues Revolution
In March 1962, the London Blues and Barrelhouse Club, led by Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies, found its new home in Ealing after being ousted from the Roundhouse pub. The venue’s intimate setting, with a capacity of just 200, became a magnet for blues enthusiasts. Korner fondly reminisced, “There were only about 100 people in all of London that were into the blues, and all of them showed up at the club that first night.”
The Rolling Stones’ Genesis
The Ealing Jazz Club etched its name in history on 24 March 1962, as Charlie Watts encountered Brian Jones. Subsequently, on 7 April 1962, Alexis Korner orchestrated the meeting that birthed the nucleus of the Rolling Stones, introducing Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to Brian Jones. The classic Rolling Stones lineup graced the club’s stage for the first time on 12 January 1963.
A Melodic Tapestry of Talent
The club was a melting pot of musical virtuosos during the golden era of 1962-65. Icons like Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Rod Stewart were regulars, shaping the sonic landscape of the time. Even a young Eric Burdon, lead singer of the Animals, hitchhiked from Newcastle to join Mick Jagger in a memorable performance at the Ealing Club.
Ealing’s Influence on Music Evolution
The impact of the Ealing Club extended beyond its walls. Harold Pendleton, owner of the Marquee Club, reshaped its programming after a visit, pivoting from jazz to R&B. John Mansfield, inspired by the Ealing scene, established the Ricky-Tick club in Windsor, solidifying Ealing’s role in the evolution of blues and rock.
Marshall Amplifiers and the Birth of Loud
In 1963, the Ealing Club became the birthplace of the classic ‘loud’ Marshall JTM45 guitar amplifier. This sonic innovation, tested by a band including future Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer Mitch Mitchell, echoed through the halls of music history.
The Evolution and Resurgence
Over the years, the venue transformed into the Broadway Casino Club and underwent various reincarnations. Today, as the Red Room, it stands as a testament to the evolving nature of music venues.
A Community’s Crusade
In 2011, the Ealing Club community launched a campaign to revive live music at the venue, culminating in the unveiling of a blue plaque on 17 March 2012. The documentary “Suburban Steps to Rockland,” released in 2017, immortalises the club’s story and its pivotal role in music evolution.
A Sonic Legacy Lives On
As we stand in the present, the melodies of the Ealing Club remain, an enduring testament to the power of a small venue that sparked a musical revolution.
