Cyril Davies

About Cyril Davies

Born: 23rd January 1932, Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, UK. Died: 7th January 1964, London, England. British blues harp-player, guitarist and banjo player and one of the pioneers of 'electric blues' in the UK in the early 1960's. Cyril Davies, in unison with [a291339], was a kingpin in the founding and promotion in the UK of the modern electric blues and the fusions that were to follow into the 1970's. Whilst Davies was a Chicago Blues purist at heart, which finally led to his separation from Korner, his work had a vital influence on many of the musicians and 'guitar heros' of later years. The Kinks, The Stones, Pete Townshend, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, John Baldry, Jimmy Page, The Yardbirds, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Rod Stewart, Ritchie Blackmore... the list is vast. All had gained inspiration from witnessing Davies' sessions at either Soho's 'Round House', the Marquee or the hotbed of rhythm & blues fusion, the Ealing Club, in which he partnered Korner in ownership. By January 1962 Davies and Korner had formed "[a425700]", a band which became a 'moveable feast' for a raft of budding UK blues musicians. A format that spawned a matrix for bands such as The Bluesbreakers, the Organisation, Steampacket, or Colosseum. Although it is hard to imagine today, this band helped pioneer the concept of using amplifiers and their consequent effects on-stage. As time progressed Davies found himself at odds with the many styles and jazz influences the band had adopted. By the following year he had left "Blues Inc" and formed "[a906329]", moving away from his early teenage influences of [a313747] and into modern renditions in a Chicago Blues style. With Davies on harmonica, 12-string acoustic or banjo, his early band line-up was [a982435] [Drums], [a594541] [aka Fenson, Bass], [a255177] [Piano] and [a180585] [aka Price, Guitar]. Page's position was short-lived, as he became involved in session work, and he was replaced by ex-Savages guitarist [a1304273]. The group took up residency at the Marquee in 1963, with [a326118] added on vocals. The band's stage presentation was also swelled by the inclusion of the vocal backing group "The Velvettes" with Peggy Phango, a trio that had finished touring a UK production of "King Kong". The band released their first single "Country Line Special" in February 1963. A number of further recordings were made before Davies tragically died a year later, just before his 32nd birthday. The name and format of the band continued under the aegis of Long John Baldry for a while and eventually evolved into "[a1146622]".

Discography

Cyril Davies — Rare Footage & Clips

Cyril Davies' legacy as a pioneering figure in the UK's early blues scene is a testament to his enduring influence on generations of musicians. The DeepCutsArchive is proud to showcase an extensive collection of rare footage featuring this trailblazing artist, offering a unique glimpse into the formative years of British rock music.

Born in 1932 in Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, Davies' early life laid the groundwork for his future musical endeavors. As a young man, he was exposed to the Chicago Blues tradition, which would later become a defining aspect of his style. This exposure not only shaped his artistic vision but also influenced his approach to music-making, setting him apart from his contemporaries.

The 1950s saw Davies emerge as a key figure in the UK's burgeoning blues scene. His debut album, "Blues From the Roundhouse" (1957), is a seminal work that captures the raw energy and intensity of his performances. This album not only showcases Davies' technical prowess but also highlights his ability to interpret classic Chicago Blues standards with a unique British twist.

The Roundhouse, in particular, played a significant role in Davies' career. As one of the few venues in London where blues music was regularly performed, it provided a platform for Davies and his contemporaries to hone their craft. The archive features footage of Davies performing at the Roundhouse, offering a glimpse into the vibrant musical landscape of 1950s London.

Davies' partnership with Alexis Korner is another crucial aspect of his legacy. Together, they formed "Blues Inc," a band that would go on to influence a generation of musicians. The archive features footage of Davies and Korner performing at the Marquee in 1962, showcasing their chemistry and musical rapport.

The significance of Davies' work cannot be overstated. As one of the pioneers of electric blues in the UK, he paved the way for countless artists who followed in his footsteps. The Stones, The Kinks, Pete Townshend, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, John Baldry, Jimmy Page, and many others drew inspiration from Davies' sessions at the Roundhouse, the Marquee, and the Ealing Club.

The Ealing Club, in particular, was a hotbed of musical innovation. This small club on Ealing Broadway became a hub for blues enthusiasts, providing a space for musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles. The archive features footage of Davies performing at the Ealing Club, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate within the context of traditional Chicago Blues.

Davies' influence extends beyond his own music. He played a crucial role in shaping the UK's blues scene, providing a platform for other musicians to develop their craft. His collaborations with Korner not only helped establish the template for future bands but also paved the way for the development of new styles and genres.

The archive features footage of Davies' later work with "R&B Band," which saw him move away from his early influences and towards a more modern, Chicago-style blues sound. This period marked a significant departure from his earlier work, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve as an artist.

Tragically, Davies' life was cut short when he died in 1964 at the age of 31. His legacy, however, continues to inspire new generations of musicians. The DeepCutsArchive is proud to preserve and showcase Davies' remarkable story, providing a unique insight into the formative years of British rock music.

In addition to his musical contributions, Davies' impact on the development of electric blues in the UK cannot be overstated. His work with Korner helped establish the template for future bands, influencing the likes of The Stones, The Kinks, and many others. The archive features footage of Davies performing at various venues throughout London, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences and inspire new generations of musicians.

The legacy of Cyril Davies serves as a testament to his enduring influence on British rock music. Through his pioneering work in the UK's early blues scene, he paved the way for countless artists who followed in his footsteps. The DeepCutsArchive is proud to preserve and showcase Davies' remarkable story, providing a unique glimpse into the formative years of British rock music.

The archive features footage of Davies performing with various musicians, including Alexis Korner, Long John Baldry, and others. These performances not only highlight Davies' technical prowess but also demonstrate his ability to adapt and innovate within the context of traditional Chicago Blues.

In conclusion, Cyril Davies' legacy as a pioneering figure in the UK's early blues scene is a testament to his enduring influence on generations of musicians. The DeepCutsArchive is proud to showcase an extensive collection of rare footage featuring this trailblazing artist, offering a unique glimpse into the formative years of British rock music.

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Curated from public records and music databases.