Ain’t Nothin’ But The [Brit] Blues

Our Blues show is now split into British Themed Blues on Saturday and, for all you naughty Sunday AM people, the Dirty Licks variant on a Sunday!

Named in honour of the legendary London blues bar that looks like it was plucked straight out of Illinois, “Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues” is your weekend destination for all things blues. Every Saturday and Sunday morning, we’ll delve into the rich history and diverse styles of blues music, from classic Delta blues to contemporary electric blues. So if you’re a fan of soulful vocals, wailing guitars, and heartfelt lyrics, tune in and let the blues wash over you.

This show is a tribute to the music that speaks to the soul, the music that tells stories of love, loss, and redemption. We’ll take you on a journey through the heart and soul of the blues, exploring its roots, its evolution, and its enduring power. So come join us in “Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues,” where the music is always soulful and the stories are always real.

‘Ain’t Nothing But The (British) Blues’ transports you to the heart of the 1960s British blues explosion, a pivotal moment when young British musicians passionately embraced American blues and ignited a sound that would conquer the world. From the smoky, cramped confines of West London’s underground clubs like the Marquee and the Ealing Club, a new generation of artists like Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers were a conduit for the raw emotion of blues, channeling icons such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. This show explores those formative years, the pilgrimage of American blues legends to the UK, and how their music lit a fire under a generation of British youth.

The programme delves into how these British artists, including future titans like The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds (featuring Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page), and the original Fleetwood Mac, didn’t just replicate the American sound; they reinterpreted it. They infused it with a distinct British energy, often driven by electrifying guitar work and a raw, energetic stage presence. ‘Ain’t Nothing But The (British) Blues’ celebrates this unique alchemy – a sound deeply respectful of its roots yet undeniably British, a sound that laid the groundwork for much of the rock music that followed.

Tune in for an immersive journey into the electrifying world of the 1960s British blues boom. Discover the stories behind the iconic tracks, the legendary clubs, and the artists who took American blues, gave it a British accent, and sent it rocketing back across the Atlantic, forever changing the landscape of popular music. It’s an essential listen for anyone wanting to understand this vibrant and influential period.