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Sourabh Doherty

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Aug 4, 2024, 3:35:33 AM8/4/24

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Cyril Davies: The British Blues Harp Pioneer

Cyril Davies (1932-1964) was an English blues musician, and one of the first blues harmonica players in England. He was a key figure in the development of the London R&B scene that influenced many British rock bands in the 1960s.

Early life and career

Cyril Davies was born in Denham, Buckinghamshire, to a Welsh family. He started his musical career in the early 1950s, playing banjo and 12-string guitar in various skiffle and blues groups. He became fascinated by the Chicago-style blues harmonica after hearing Little Walter on record. He met Alexis Korner, another blues enthusiast, and they formed an acoustic duo that played at various clubs and pubs in London.

The London Blues and Barrelhouse Club

In 1955, Davies and Korner opened their own club, called the London Blues and Barrelhouse Club, later known as the Roundhouse. It was located upstairs from a pub on the corner of Wardour and Brewer Streets in Soho. The club hosted gigs by blues legends such as Muddy Waters, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Memphis Slim, and Big Bill Broonzy. It also attracted many young musicians who wanted to learn from the masters, such as Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Brian Jones, Rod Stewart, John Mayall, and Paul Jones.

Blues Incorporated and the Ealing Club

In 1961, Davies and Korner joined forces with jazz bandleader Chris Barber to form Blues Incorporated, a group that featured electric guitar and harmonica alongside traditional jazz instruments. They played regularly at the Marquee Club, a popular jazz venue in London. They also founded their own club, the Ealing Club, which became a hotspot for R&B fans and musicians. Blues Incorporated was one of the first British groups to play amplified blues music, which caused some controversy among purists and critics.

Cyril Davies' R&B All Stars

In 1962, Davies left Blues Incorporated to form his own band, Cyril Davies' R&B All Stars. He recruited some of the best R&B singers and players in London, such as Long John Baldry, Art Wood, Nicky Hopkins, Carlo Little, Bernie Watson, and Rick Brown. The band played a more raw and energetic style of blues than Blues Incorporated, influenced by Muddy Waters' electric sound. They recorded two singles for Pye Records: "Country Line Special" and "Chicago Calling", which are considered classics of British blues harp. They also appeared on TV shows such as Ready Steady Go! and Hulabaloo.

Death and legacy

Davies died of endocarditis on 7 January 1964, at the age of 31. He was buried at Chiswick New Cemetery in London. His death was a shock to the British blues scene, and many musicians paid tribute to him in their songs and performances. His band continued as Long John Baldry's Hoochie Coochie Men, which later evolved into Steampacket and The Rod Stewart Group.

Cyril Davies is widely regarded as one of the most influential blues harmonica players of all time. He inspired generations of British musicians to play the blues with passion and authenticity. He is also credited with being one of the founders of British R&B music, which paved the way for rock music in Britain.