Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated: The Pioneers of British Blues
Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated was a foundational British blues band that acted as the crucial catalyst for the 1960s UK rhythm and blues explosion. Hailing from London, the group's primary achievement was not commercial chart success, but its role as an incubator for the era's greatest musical talent.
Early career
The band was formed in 1961 by guitarist and vocalist Alexis Korner and harmonica player Cyril Davies. They established a legendary residency at the Ealing Jazz Club in London, creating the first consistent platform for electric blues in the United Kingdom. Their early recordings were for the UK labels Decca and Pye, capturing their raw, Chicago-inspired sound.
Breakthrough
The group's breakthrough was cultural rather than commercial, cemented by their historic performance on the BBC's "Jazz Club" in 1962. While their 1962 debut album R&B from the Marquee did not chart, it documented their powerful live set and introduced the movement to a national audience. This exposure made their Ealing club nights a mandatory pilgrimage for every young musician in London.
Key tracks
I Got My Mojo Working — This live staple, featuring Cyril Davies on vocals, exemplified the band's authentic Chicago blues transmission.
Sky High — An original Korner composition that showed the band could craft compelling blues outside the standard canon.
Finkle's Cafe — This instrumental highlighted the tight, jazz-tinged interplay between the group's versatile rhythm section.
Rain Is Such a Lonesome Sound — A track showcasing a slower, more melancholic side of their blues repertoire.
The lineup of Blues Incorporated was famously fluid, serving as a finishing school for future stars. Early members included a young Charlie Watts on drums, while later iterations featured Jack Bruce on bass and Ginger Baker on drums. Other notable musicians who passed through included Long John Baldry, and even Mick Jagger made early appearances. This revolving door policy directly led to the formation of The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and Cream, making Korner's project the most influential band that never achieved mainstream fame.
While not a direct commercial peer, the explosive sound of Cream was born from its rhythm section's tenure in Korner's band. The raw R&B drive of The Yardbirds followed the path Blues Incorporated carved out in London clubs. The early repertoire of The Rolling Stones was heavily informed by the blues standards Korner championed.The music of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated remains a staple on specialist classic rock FM stations and dedicated blues radio programs. Their historical recordings are frequently featured on online rock radio streams that celebrate the roots of British rock music, ensuring their foundational role is never forgotten.
You can explore the pioneering British blues sound of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover the band that sparked a revolution and hear the raw beginnings of a genre that changed music history.
