The Best of London’s Blues Music Scene
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Looking for the best in London’s blues music scene? Check out our latest blog post for a rundown of the best clubs, bars, and venues to catch some great blues tunes.
The birth of the blues in London
The blues arrived in London in the 1950s with the African-American jazz and R&B musicians who came to play in the city’s clubs. The music soon found a home in the capital’s growing black community, with venues like the Crawdaddy Club and the Marquee Club hosting early blues concerts.
The first British blues bands began to emerge in the 1960s, inspired by the likes of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. These bands, including John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, were at the forefront of the British blues boom of the 1960s and 1970s.
Today, London is home to a vibrant blues scene, with clubs like Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge and The 100 Club regularly showcasing local and international talent. If you’re looking to experience the best of London’s blues music scene, these are the places to start.
The best blues clubs in London
London has a thriving blues music scene, with clubs and bars all over the city showcasing talented local and international artists. If you’re a fan of the genre, or just looking to discover something new, here are some of the best places to check out blues music in London.
The 1000 Club
This small but atmospheric club in Fulham is one of London’s most beloved blues venues. It’s been running for over 25 years and has hosted everyone from legendary harmonica player Seymour ‘Mr. Oh’ Horrocks to rising stars like Katy Hurt. Make sure you catch a show here if you can.
The Roundhouse
This iconic venue in Camden is known for hosting all kinds of music, but it has a special place in its heart for blues. It’s hosted some of the genre’s biggest names over the years, including B.B. King and Muddy Waters, and continues to showcase both established and up-and-coming artists from all over the world.
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
This world-famous jazz club in Soho also has a strong commitment to showcasing blues music. It’s been running since 1959 and has seen everyone from Miles Davis to Diana Krall grace its stage. If you’re a fan of jazz as well as blues, this is the perfect place for you.
The 12 Bar Club
This cosy club in Denman Street is one of London’s most popular blues venues. It’s known for its intimate atmosphere and exciting line-ups, which have included everyone from local heroes like Dave Arcari to international stars like Matt Schofield.
The best blues musicians in London
The London blues scene has been thriving for years, with both established and up-and-coming musicians keeping the music alive in the city. If you’re a fan of the blues, there are plenty of great places to catch a live show or see a band perform. Here are some of the best blues musicians in London that you can check out.
Matt Schofield is one of the most respected blues guitarists in the world, and he has been praised for his technique and style. He has released several albums and has toured internationally. He currently resides in London and is a regular performer at blues clubs in the city.
Another great blues guitarist is Charlie McCoy. He is originally from Texas but moved to London in the early 2000s. He has released two albums and has been praised for his originality and soulful playing. Charlie McCoy is a regular performer at blues clubs in London and is also involved in teaching music classes.
Samantha Fish is a talented singer-songwriter and guitar player who draws influences from both the blues and rock genres. She has released several albums and has toured internationally. She currently resides in London and is a regular performer at blues clubs in the city.
If you’re looking to catch some great live blues music, be sure to check out these three musicians. You’re sure to have an enjoyable time listening to their soulful playing.
The best blues songs about London
London has been a hotbed for the blues since the 1950s, when musicians from all over the world converged on the city to play the music they loved. The London blues scene is still going strong today, with venues all over the city hosting live music every night of the week.
There are too many great blues songs about London to list them all here, but we’ve compiled a few of our favorites to give you a taste of what the scene has to offer. If you’re looking for a true blues experience, be sure to check out one of these songs the next time you’re in the city.
– “Sweet Little Angel” by B.B. King
– “I Can’t Quit You Baby” by Willie Dixon
– “Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker
– “Outskirts of London” by John Lee Hooker
– “Alligator Crawl” by Louis Jordan
– “Jumpin’ at the Jubilee” by Big Bill Broonzy
The best blues festivals in London
If you’re a fan of the blues, then you’ll want to check out some of the best blues festivals in London. From intimate club gigs to large-scale events, there’s something for everyone.
One of the most popular blues festivals in London is the BluesFest, which takes place every year in October. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in the blues world, and features a mix of live music and workshops.
Another great option is the Ealing Jazz Festival, which takes place in July each year. The festival offers a mixture of free and ticketed events, and often features some big names from the world of jazz and blues.
For something slightly different, check out the Camden Blues Festival which takes place every April. The festival celebrates all things blues, with a mix of live music and DJ sets across a range of venues in Camden Town.
