JIMMY PAGE & FRIENDS
A TRIBUTE (2CD)

Alexis Korner stands as one of the central architects of the British blues movement. Often called the ‘founding father of British blues’, Korner devoted his life to introducing post-war Britain to the raw power and emotional depth of American blues. Through his pioneering work with Blues Incorporated in the early 1960s, he helped ignite a movement that would shape an entire generation, nurturing musicians who would go on to form bands such as Cream, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. As a guitarist, singer, broadcaster and tireless advocate for the music he loved, Korner remained a guiding presence in British blues until his passing on 1 January 1984, leaving behind a legacy that is difficult to overstate.

In the months that followed, many of the musicians whose careers had been touched by Korner felt the need to pay tribute. The result was a remarkable one-off gathering organised by Jimmy Page, who assembled an extraordinary group of friends for a benefit concert in aid of cancer research. Billing themselves as the ‘Alexis Light Orchestra’, the band brought together some of the most respected figures in British rhythm and blues. Page took the helm on guitar, joined by Jack Bruce on bass, Charlie Watts on drums, and Paul Jones on vocals and harmonica, alongside the unmistakable boogie-woogie piano of Ian Stewart and the soulful backing vocals of Ruby Turner.

Recorded live at The Club Palais in Nottingham on 5 June 1984, the performance captured on this disc is nothing short of incendiary. Rather than grand gestures or elaborate arrangements, the musicians chose to put the blues front and centre. This supergroup of sorts tore through a set packed with standards and cornerstones of the tradition Korner had cherished, playing songs associated with Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Johnson and many more, each delivered with both gusto and heartfelt respect.