Bye Bye Blues

Immediately after completing the Rolling Stones' Undercover recording sessions at Pathé Marconi Studios, Ian Stewart joined the Blues Band during live recordings at Richard Branson's The Venue, London (December 18, 1982). It must have been a relief for Stu to leave the Paris tensions behind and to join old pal Paul Jones' band during an R&B packed set.

Stu had been recording with the Blues Band before, most notably on the band's second album, "Ready", resulting in an immediate click with the band. At The Venue, with former Family drummer Rob Townsend replacing Hughie Flint, the band played an energetic set, showcasing Paul Jones' talents on vocals and harmonica. Remember, he could have been a Stone!

Other guest musicians during the show, which got released on the album "Bye Bye Blues" in 1983, included singer Jo-Ann Kelly, Pretty Things frontman Phil May, harmonica player Mark Feltham, the Rumour Horns' John Earle (saxophone) and Dick Hanson (trumpet), and last but not least the founding father of British blues, Alexis Korner. Just another who's who in British music!

Note: this post contains no less than ten hyperlinks. Read them all for full understanding of the British R&B music scene at the time!