John Mayall, the late Jack Bruce, Paul Jones, Pete Townshend, Ginger Baker, Eric Burdon and Dick Taylor feature in Suburban Steps To Rockland, a feature film documentary about the Ealing Club, Britain’s first Rhythm & Blues venue. The film is heading for Sky release, but could use some income via its current crowdfunding campaign that runs to the end of August – see https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/suburban-steps-to-rockland#/. There are some tasty rewards for contributing to this commemoration of musical heritage.
Film is an important medium for celebrating the history of Blues music, with The Blues film series in the US being produced by no less a figure than Martin Scorsese.
Other British productions include Out of Time on singer Chris Farlowe and another on Alexis Korner, himself pivotal in the story of the Ealing Club.
What’s cool in British Blues, I hear you ask? Who’s young and can maybe rise to the stratospheric levels of Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, who used to grind out gigs and play Blues (and a lot of other music) on his way up? And where’s cool? Are there any iconic places out there?
Not easy questions those, at all. So rather than seek an elusive, definitive answer, let’s take one act, one gig, and one place as a focus.
Blues-Boogie one man band and humorous eclectic eccentric Andy Twyman, who appeared with Rag ‘n’ Bone Man in the past, plays the Green Note in Camden on Saturday 18th February. Andy recognises it as a “top, top venue” as does Time Out in it’s awards (those awards hang proudly on the wall of the venue).
Andy is thrilled about this date and has shared his excitement in the video above. We’ve been to the venue and seen a couple of really good acts squeezed in to the cosy, veggie food-smelling place with its warm atmosphere and excellent welcome. Not just Blues either, though Ruth Theodore and The Goat Roper Rodeo Band certainly have Blues in their souls. No, this is a music venue. Don’t worry about the genre, this is a place that draws in good music like a magnet draws iron filings. Beware, Blues lovers, this place has something you’re not used to, queues outside ahead of opening time. If the good people at the Green Note say ‘Book early to avoid disappointment’, it is actually true.
So, an exciting place. Andy’s finest, or certainly most famous, hour so far has been with the song and video ‘A Naked Noel’, but for those who love Blues with a fresh twist, he’s your man, as the video to ‘Stand Up’ proves. An apt choice to end on as The Green Note can be standing room only at times.
British Blues Exhibition 