I’m sure you’ve heard of the British blues boom and are familiar with its main proponents like Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall and the Yardbirds. But there are bands that are associated with it that get much less profile and have largely been forgotten.
The first of these is Sam Apple Pie, their debut album was their self-titled debut, Sam Apple Pie, released in 1969. The album was licensed to Decca Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US. The band included Malcolm Morley who would go on to play keyboards for Help Yourself and Man.
Then there was the Keef Hartley Band, he’d originally drummed for John Mayall and released half a dozen albums into the 70s. They were a jazzy, blues outfit which at one time featured Miller Anderson.
The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation were led by drummer Aynsley Dunbar, who had also played with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Jeff Beck. They were a fantastic blues-rock band. Their music had a gritty, soulful sound and released 4 albums 1968-70.
Steamhammer had a more progressive and psychedelic take on the blues. They were known for their long, improvisational jams and their unique sound. Their guitarist, Martin Quittenton, went on to co-write several songs with Rod Stewart, including "Maggie May." Great rock factoid that.
Mighty Baby were a group that started out as a blues-oriented band called The Action before evolving into a more psychedelic and progressive outfit. Their early recordings, however, show their blues roots.Their records are quite valuable.
The John Dummer Band were a fixture on the British blues circuit, the band had an ever-changing lineup that included many great musicians. They were known for their hard-driving, no-nonsense blues sound. The band featured brothers Dave and Jo-Anne Kelly, and at one point, guitarist Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs.
Dave and Jo-Anne Kelly formed Tramp. Tramp were formed in 1969, both were highly regarded blues musicians in their own right. They released only a couple of albums in the late 60s and early 70s, but they were deeply respected for their authentic and no-frills approach to the blues.
Love Sculpture were led by Welsh guitarist Dave Edmunds, they are often remembered for a blistering, sped-up version of Aram Khachaturian's classical piece "Sabre Dance." However, their albums show a band with strong blues and R&B roots. Edmunds was a phenomenal guitarist and I think this was his best band.
The Birds were a hard-edged R&B band from the mid-60s that featured a young Ronnie Wood on guitar and vocals. Their sound was a precursor to the blues-rock and hard rock that would dominate the late 60s and 70s.
The Artwoods were formed by keyboardist Art Wood (older brother of Ronnie Wood), this was a highly respected R&B band in the mid-60s. Their lineup also included Jon Lord, who would later co-found Deep Purple, and Keef Hartley, who would go on to lead the Keef Hartley Band. Incestuous isn’t it? They were never able to break through commercially, but they were a staple of the London club scene.
The Black Cat Bones produced future stars. Guitarist Paul Kossoff and drummer Simon Kirke both went on to form Free, and bassist Terry Wilson had a long and storied career. Their single, a cover of "Feelin' Good," is a classic piece of British blues. Super rare album.
Juicy Lucy were formed in 1969, Juicy Lucy was a blues-rock band that had a brief moment of commercial success with their cover of the Willie Dixon song "Who Do You Love?". Their sound was a bit heavier and more rock-oriented than many of their contemporaries, showing the evolution of the genre at the turn of the decade.
There were dozens of bands in the genre and only a few were successful but there’s a wealth of great music.
