For decades London has been regarded as one of the foremost cities on the planet for music and Soho in particular is often lauded as a hot bed for performers and audiences alike, especially with regards to Jazz. However the Blues scene that exists in parallel to the Jazz scene is often overlooked, despite the fact the Blues has had a strong history in the area. As a consequence this article will detail how the Blues has played an important role in the London music scene over the years, a few key places where you can go to hear it played or, for aspiring and seasoned Blues men and women, where to go to play it yourself!
History
The Blues is a type of music that originated in North America amongst African American people in the post slavery era of the early 20th century, when the first descriptions of the music date from. Initially the Blues was encountered exclusively in the South, an extension of work songs played by small groups with acoustic instruments. Yet when the economic boom of the Second World War drew populations to the cities in the Northern States like Detroit, Michigan, Chicago and Illinois, the Blues took on a new form. By utilizing the recent invention of the electric guitar in conjunction with amplified piano, drums, stand up bass and harmonica in order to be heard in the noisy urban clubs and juke joints from which legendary artists such as BB King, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf came to prominence. Never the less the music maintained a link to its “Country” roots, being based around a 12 bar repetition including the utilization of ‘blue’ notes while influencing the ‘white’ form of Rock & Roll and its originators. In Europe, as well as in America, white people who heard Blues records on American forces radio took an interest in the music and soon enough white British bands were playing the Blues. Eventually this brought new commercial success to the original performers and also influenced others to take up this form of music.
The already established London Jazz scene presented a platform for Blues artists to work with, such as when Jazz musicians Alexis Korner and Cyril Davis used their connections to found what is regarded as the first successful British Blues band, Blues Incorporated. This in turn led to a burgeoning scene of young groups such as The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Bluesbreakers, The Grahame Bond Organisation and later Cream and Led Zeppelin who all featured styles reminiscent of earlier American Blues artists. Soho was an important place for these bands and their fans, not only being full of live venues but also the centre of swingin’ London, the fashion, the art and the ideology that went with it. The all night clubs in Soho were also important places for young fans and aspiring musicians as the DJ’s often had the connections to get hold of rare records and imports not available to the public, allowing for further exploration of this spell binding type of music.
\n\nWhere and when
Four decades on, Soho still has a foothold in the Blues. Though on a smaller scale than it used to, Soho still has a healthy grouping of devoted fans and musicians still circulating through this area.
The larger music venues in the area such as the London Astoria feature world famous Blues artists passing through on tours or doing one off gigs. What are rarely publicised however are the low key gigs and jams that are constantly going on. What follows are a few recommended places to catch some decent Blues:
Ain’t nothin but… The Blues Bar
Located On a back street just over from Oxford Circus, The Blues Bar has been running since 1993 and has been the hub for a scene of hardcore Blues fanatics from around the capital. While most venues will feature the occasional Blues band/ artist here it is the Blues seven nights a week.
The walls are plastered with lyrics sheets to Blues standards, with framed posters of legends such as Howlin Wolf and Muddy Waters hung over the top, while wood panelling and low lighting attempt to give it that Southern juke joint feel. However do be warned that though you do not have to pay a door charge most of the time the bar staff can be quite aggressive about getting you to buy drinks. I do not usually expect to walk into a bar and within the space of one song have one the staff mooch over and inform me that I have to buy a drink if I want to hang out there ( I was more perplexed why they felt it necessary to outline such a taken for granted rule that applies to most establishments in the capital).
On Saturday afternoons they host an open mic session while jam sessions take place on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights. These sessions feature a fair few regulars but are open to outsiders, though its advised to get there early if you want to play.
The rest of the time The Blues Bar features artists from all over the country and the world such as King David and The Big Blue, both examples of regular bands working the circuit. On most night entry is free if you get in before 8.30pm.
www.aintnothinbut.co.uk/\n\nThe Spice Of Life
Located on Cambridge Circus within walking distance from Charing Cross station, the Spice Of Life has been a live music venue since the 1960’s and has been a key feature in the London Jazz scene since the early 90’s. Beneath the main pub is the basement bar; brick walls, low lighting, tea candles flickering on the tables and a cosy little inset stage area. Apart from the first one of the month, every other Tuesday night is the Blues jam in association with Blues In Britain magazine (an indispensable guide to the Blues over this side of the Atlantic). Though this jam is not regarded as as ‘authentic’ as the ones at The Blues Bar the scene here tends to be a bit more friendly and relaxed (no one hassling you to buy a drink!). As a consequence it is a good place for people just starting out to go and get some stage experience, although this is not to say the level musicianship is mediocre as The Spice has seen notable players from all over Europe and the USA turn up for the jam sessions.
The sound is often slow, moody Blues numbers, which sometimes get a little loud but as long as nobody upstairs can hear it no one seems too concerned. There is also a scene of regulars at the jams here although it is quite a separate crowd from the one at The Blues Bar.
There is an admission charge to get in on Friday and Saturday nights which feature different bands every week, some of which are Blues and Jazz bands, while the jam and open mic sessions are free.
www.spiceoflifesoho.com
Twelve Bar Club
Situated on Denmark Street, world renowned as the place to pick up any guitar you could ever dream of or wish to gape at for hours on end. Despite the name, the club is not narrowed to any musical genre but it is worth checking the listings for Blues gigs every now and again. The Twelve Bar Club also hosts open mic nights in cooperation with Enterprise studios next door, another good place for beginners and experienced players alike.
www.12barclub.com
Ronnie Scotts and the Soho Jazz Club
Both located in the heart of Soho and although traditionally regarded as Jazz joints they do have artists that cross genres and they do dare to break down the boundary that divides the Bluesmen and the Jazzers, featuring Blues artists from time to time.
Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street is one of the lauded clubs in Soho, opened by it’s namesake in 1959, one of the pricier nights out in Soho between £25-40 for a ticket.
The Soho Jazz Club is part of the Pizza Express chain located on Dean Street. It host’s numerous contemporary jazz legends, as well as artists playing other types of music. Tickets range from between £15-22.
www.ronniescotts.co.uk
www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk/jazzList.aspx
