White Blue
How The Blues & Jazz Movements Started In Britain
Chris Barber’s Jazz Band with the beautiful Otillie Patterson on vocals brought the sound of New Orleans to British traditional Jazz buffs in the late fifties and early sixties. This was just the beginning of a wave of new sounds that culminated in what came to be known as the British Blues Boom! On Banjo was the great Lonnie Donegan who became the Godfather of Skiffle a year or two later. All of the early musical melting pots were springboards for the next generation of musicians and within a couple of years the Music scene was to change forever.
My first exposure to the blues was on Barber’s wonderful L.P. New Orleans Joys. I forget all the titles now but the haunting sounds stirred up strange sensations and led me a few years later to a life long passion for the Blues as I am sure it did with many young kids at the time.
The year 1962 saw the birth of several Blues gigs in London Clubs, notably the Famous Marquee which made its home in Wardour Street, Soho. The great Alexis Korner was to prove to be a nursery slope for what was to come. Cyril Davies on Harp, Dick Heckstall- Smith on the most wailing of saxophones, Mick Jagger (yes that one!) on vocals to name but a few. I guess that first Album recorded live at the Marquee…Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, started the trickle which very rapidly gathered momentum and soon the Blues was the talking point of all young music heads.
Playing at the Marquee shortly after, in 1963 was the man destined to become the Godfather of British Blues… John Mayall…. John’s famous band, The BluesBreakers went onto fame and fortune as many musicians joined and left in quite a procession over the next couple of years. John celebrated his 70th Birthday a couple of years ago and is playing as well as ever. This gives lie to the notion that life is over at forty and its all downhill from there on. The list of John’s protégées is a who’s who of the music business; a good proportion of whom are still playing today. John McVie, co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, Jack Bruce of Cream, Eric “Slowhand” Clapton, Peter Green, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Taylor and many more.
The band that I believe was the turning point at this time was undoubtedly The Yardbirds, whose incredible energy and enthusiasm were absolutely unparalleled on stage. My first exposure to this Juggernaut was on a Monday morning at school one time when some friends told me about this amazing band that they had seen at the Marquee who had a Guitarist that was simply unbelievable. The Year was 1963, the man in question (well he was only 18 years old!) was Eric Clapton.
The Legend was already underway at this stage and I believe Eric was responsible for the huge interest brewing in the Blues in Britain as the Yardbirds became household names on the R n’ B circuit. Many Guitars were sold at this time as young bloods attempted to emulate Clapton, some with success and many without. Probably one reason for the upsurge in Guitar bands as opposed to wishy washy pop sounds of the time was the discovery of the almost forgotten Gibson Les Paul which produced the sound closest to the Chicago Blues of a decade earlier. Eric’s use of this instrument took the Blues to a new height and no-one could escape the flood that was on the way. With the Yardbirds there was a mix of Gibson and Fender guitars in use. Eric initially played a Fender Telecaster with Rhythm Guitarist Chris Dreja using the Gibson 335, but the favourite in years to come particularly in ‘65 and ‘66 was the Les Paul.
In 1963 one of the first Bluesmen to arrive on this side of the Atlantic for a Tour was the legendary Harp player Sonny Boy Williamson who recorded a wonderful live album with the Yardbirds that was not released for several years. The restrained backing that the band provided to Sonny Boy showed them to be tight and controlled but Keith Relf the Lead singer and Harpist was a little put out at having to take a back seat to the Master during the gig. Many more Blues legends toured Britain and Europe in the following years which not only revitalised their own flagging careers but gave the budding white Blues players a chance to learn from the Maestros. These include Howling Wolf and the legendary Son House who had been a contemporary of Robert Johnson in the nineteen thirties. The author was privileged to see Son House play in London in 1970 shortly before he died. He was very frail but he certainly could make that National Steel Guitar sing sweetly!
The Album that preceded the Flood was of course the 1966 rendition by John Mayall entitled simply “John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton” recorded on the Decca label .This album marked the first vocal airing by Slowhand and he chose Robert Johnson’s “Rambling on my Mind” as his debut. The interrelating of Mayall’s gutsy Barrelhouse Piano together with Eric’s Les Paul and his tentative vocals, wrote a piece of Blues History that day in the studio. That Album sums up for me not only the musicianship involved and the passion of the music but the very essence of the British interpretation of the Blues. I have listened to this song so many times now since the first momentous day that it came through the speakers and every time it’s hard to keep the emotions steady.
The Robert Johnson Legacy forms an integral and vital part of the Birth of the Blues in Britain and is responsible for the undoubted vitality of today’s thriving Blues scene on both sides of the Atlantic. There are no Blues Bands past or present who do not owe a debt to Robert Leroy and his magic. His genius and virtuosity with the bottleneck will live forever!
About the Author
Information on eyebrow dandruff can be found at the Eyebrow Care site.
White Stripes – Blue Orchid
|
|
NEW SUPERDRY MEN’S BLUE COLLAR ROYAL PIQUE POLO JERSEY SHIRT WHITE sz LARGE $49.95 |
|
|
fashion party jewelry BLUE SAPPHIRE TOPAZ WHITE GOLD PLATED RING SIZE 7 O $0.99 |
|
|
3/4ct 14k White Gold Blue Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace $598.00 |
|
|
PEAR SOLID 14K WHITE GOLD NATURAL VS DIAMOND BLUE SAPPHIRE EARRINGS $790.00 |
|
|
WackySox Royal Blue White Hoops Rugby Football Soccer Hockey Sports Socks Large $15.79 |
|
|
Vintage football jersey, white w/blue sleeves & stripes $4.73 |
|
|
White / Blue Dual Hard Back Case for iPhone 3GS 3G $4.57 |
|
|
Small blue and white Chinese tea cup $9.99 |
|
|
Fashion Jewelry Lady Gift Blue Sapphire White Gold GP Tennis Bracelet Hand Chain $0.99 |
|
|
Children Blue Red Decor White Frame Rectangle Sunglasses $6.46 |
|
|
9ct WHITE Gold 5mm BLUE TOPAZ Drop Earrings, BOXED, NEW $41.07 |
|
|
RARE 19th C LARGE KANGXI 12″ or 30cm TALL CHINESE BLUE & WHITE PORCELAIN VASE $41.09 |
|
|
10K White Gold Large Faux Blue CZ Stone Ring 7 14849 $247.00 |
|
|
Low Beam Headlight 35W H11 Xenon HID Conversion Kit 8000K White Bulb&AC Ballast $49.98 |
|
|
Chinese antique brilliant blue and white porcelain figure vase free ship $749.00 |
|
|
1960’s Italian Blue White Openwork Pointed Plastic Button $2.90 |
|
|
WackySox Royal Blue White Hoops Rugby Football Soccer Hockey Sports Socks Med $15.79 |
|
|
NEW Williams Sonoma Red, White, Blue Striped Apron $10.00 |
|
|
Barbie Doll Ken Clothing Shorts Acid Wash Print Blue Red White Checked Pockets $7.95 |
|
|
Blue & White Checkered Button Down Pajama Top Size Large by Parisian Intimates $0.99 |
|
|
Red White & Blue Tank & Skirt Outfit Girl Toddler Size 18 & 24 Months $0.99 |
|
|
GREETING CUTE COUPLE PINK FLOWER BASKET REAL PHOTO WHITE FROCK BLUE SHIRT POSTCA $18.18 |
|
|
Cruet Set Bone China Black and White Scottie Dogs Each Signed By Blue Witch. $47.33 |
|
|
NEW BOSOM BUDDY GARDEN BASKET WITH BLUE AND WHITE STRIPE AND ANCHOR $57.99 |
|
|
CALVIN KLEIN COTTON SUMEMER T- SHIRT TOP WHITE GRAY BLUE GREEN BLOUSE L XL NEW $41.99 |
|
|
CALVIN KLEIN COTTON SUMEMER T- SHIRT TOP WHITE GRAY BLUE GREEN BLOUSE L XL NEW $41.99 |
|
|
CALVIN KLEIN COTTON SUMEMER T- SHIRT TOP WHITE GRAY BLUE GREEN BLOUSE L XL NEW $41.99 |
|
|
CALVIN KLEIN COTTON SUMEMER T- SHIRT TOP WHITE GRAY BLUE GREEN BLOUSE L XL NEW $41.99 |
|
|
White Satin Skirt Top Veil Belly Dance Costume Tribal $21.00 |
|
|
White Satin Skirt Top Veil Belly Dance Costume Tribal $21.00 |
|
|
White Satin Skirt Top Veil Belly Dance Costume Tribal $21.00 |
|
|
Blue and White Porcelain Bathroom Sink $300.00 |
|
|
Size 9 ARINNA blue drip shape unique Ring 18K White gold GP Swarovski crystals $5.99 |
|
|
2 NEW BOYS RALPH LAUREN BLUE-WHITE L/S POLO SHIRT SIZE M (12-14) $80 $60.00 |
|
|
Hollister HCO Fine Knit Sweater Pullover Top Red White Blue USA Men Sz M EUC $0.99 |
|
|
Lady Fashion Jewelry Pear Cut Blue Sapphire White Gold GP Dangle Earrings $0.99 |
|
|
Womens Sundress Sz 4 Intrigue New W/Tags Blue White Blk $34.99 |
|
|
2012 Topps Wal-Mart Blue BRENT MOREL #31 White Sox $1.00 |
|
|
Womens Adidas Low Rise Capris Navy Blue White S Small LOGO $13.99 |
|
|
Blue & White 15×12-17×13 Oval Porcelain Bead 7″ Stretch Bracelet Gift Box BR338F $0.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE PINK OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
fashion party jewelry GP WHITE GOLD BLUE SAPPHIRE ROUND CUT JEWELRY RING 6 M $0.99 |
|
|
ROUND CUT ROYAL BLUE SAPPHIRE WHITE GOLD GP TOPAZ RING WOMEN JEWELLERY 7 O $0.99 |
|
|
18K WHITE GOLD PLATED AQUA BLUE DANGLE CHANDELIER EARRINGS USE SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL $9.47 |
|
|
AMERICAN AIRLINES WHITE PORCELAIN BLUE RING STACKABLE COFFEE CUPS EXC CONDITION $5.00 |
|
|
Lady Fashion Jewelry Oval Cut Blue Aquamarine Topaz White Gold GP Earrings $0.99 |
|
|
COLORFUL SOFT GEL TPU CASE COVER DOT PATTERN For Samsung Galaxy Note i9220 N7000 $3.95 |
|
|
COLORFUL SOFT GEL TPU CASE COVER DOT PATTERN For Samsung Galaxy Note i9220 N7000 $3.95 |
|
|
COLORFUL SOFT GEL TPU CASE COVER DOT PATTERN For Samsung Galaxy Note i9220 N7000 $3.95 |
|
|
COLORFUL SOFT GEL TPU CASE COVER DOT PATTERN For Samsung Galaxy Note i9220 N7000 $3.95 |
|
|
COLORFUL SOFT GEL TPU CASE COVER DOT PATTERN For Samsung Galaxy Note i9220 N7000 $3.95 |
|
|
COLORFUL SOFT GEL TPU CASE COVER DOT PATTERN For Samsung Galaxy Note i9220 N7000 $3.95 |
|
|
COLORFUL SOFT GEL TPU CASE COVER DOT PATTERN For Samsung Galaxy Note i9220 N7000 $3.95 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
Mens Casual Slim Leisure fit Dress Formal Shirt 3size Blue Pink White XS S M $17.99 |
|
|
COW SILHOUETTE SKY BLUE/WHITE PATTERN CRAFT Vinyl Decals 1 Sheet 12×36 CUTTERS $18.00 |
|
|
calla lily wedding favors crystal ivory white royal blue green table deco ca $1.15 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
MY AUNT LOVES ME PERSONALIZED LONG SLEEVED BABY BODYSUIT WHITE OR BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
calla lily wedding favors white purple royal blue or custom color ca $1.20 |
|
|
COW SILHOUETTE WHITE/BLUE PATTERN CRAFT Vinyl Decals 1 Sheet 12×36 CUTTERS $18.00 |
|
|
2008 Razor Blue AUTO Gordon Beckham WHITE SOX #d/25 $99.99 |
|
|
Spa Bath Medical Shower Chair Seat Bench Steel Blue White Adepta 250 lb $24.95 |
|
|
3 cts. Blue diamond halo setting ring wedding jewelry white gold 18K $3,100.00 |
|
|
Chinese Blue & White Persons Porcelain Brush Pot $249.00 |
|
|
Xbox 360 XCM Wireless Controller Shell (Black & White/Blue LEDs) $41.86 |
|
|
Set Of 3 Cotton Tea Towels / Teatowel Navy Blue And White Spot Stripe Gingham. $14.78 |
|
|
Sperry Top-Sider White Blue Water Boat Shoes Mens – NEW – 0515759 $59.99 |
|
|
Vintage jewelry earrings signed Les Bernard with white and blue stone $2.99 |
|
|
2012 New Black White Blue Striped JACQUARD WOVEN Silk Men’s Tie Necktie #80 $0.99 |
|
|
1949 Press Photo English Cup White China Dishes Blue Dr $19.88 |
|
|
NWT Mens Tapoout Shorts Size L White Navy Blue And Red $19.00 |
|
|
Gift Round Cut Blue Sapphire White Gold GP Fashion Jewelry Ring 7 $0.99 |
|
|
NEW Yves Saint Laurent YSL White Blue Y-Shine Patent High Top Sneakers Retro 12 $299.99 |
|
|
COW SILHOUETTE WHITE/SKY BLUE PATTERN CRAFT Vinyl Decals 1 Sheet 12×36 CUTTERS $18.00 |
|
|
cute Decorative blue & white WOODEN Cat whimsey $18.99 |