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Mick Jagger and Bill Wyman Sing and Play the Blues on the Anthology of British Blues Vol. 1 & 2 albums

*By Marcelo Sonaglioni

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Step into the raw, unpredictable world of 1960s British blues, where future legends were still testing their limits. These Immediate Records sessions bring together names like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and even Mick Jagger in loose, exploratory recordings that blur the line between rehearsal and revelation. Not every track hits the mark, but that’s part of the appeal—this is blues in motion, unpolished and searching for identity. Amid the jams, flashes of brilliance emerge, hinting at the sound that would soon redefine rock. It’s not perfection you’ll find here—it’s the spark of something about to ignite.

This was a 1968 Immediate Records (Andrew Oldham’s record label) compilation LP featuring Mick on harmonica and Bill on bass on 3 songs: Snake Drive, Tribute to Elmore and West Coast Idea. The other musicians on these tracks are Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page on guitars, Ian Stewart on piano, and Chris Winters on drums. All three songs were written by Clapton and Page and were also later featured on the Blues Anytime Vol. I compilation.

The 1968 Immediate Records Compilation and Its Legendary Lineup

In 1968, Immediate Records—Andrew Oldham’s influential label—released a compilation LP showcasing some of the finest British blues talent of the era. This album featured Mick Jagger on harmonica and Bill Wyman on bass for the three standout tracks already mentioned. What makes these recordings especially remarkable is the presence of iconic guitarists Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, both of whom contributed their distinctive styles to these songs. Adding to the rich musical texture, Ian Stewart played piano, while Chris Winters took on the drums. This collaboration brought together some of the most gifted musicians in the British blues scene, capturing the raw energy and spirit of the genre at its peak.

Songwriting and Legacy of the Compilation

The Immediate Records sessions from the 1960s capture a fascinating crossroads in British blues, where raw talent meets uneven execution. At first glance, this collection feels like a loose gathering of musicians finding their footing, yet within it lie flashes of brilliance that hint at something far greater. Among the most intriguing moments are the three tracks—Snake Drive, Tribute to Elmore and West Coast Idea—written by Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. While the performances often drift into extended, unpolished improvisation, they still carry the DNA of a movement in progress. Later included on Blues Anytime Vol. I, these recordings became essential snapshots of a generation experimenting with the boundaries of blues and rock.

Uneven brilliance in british blues

Beyond the Clapton-Page collaborations, the Blues Anytime Vol. 1 compilation reflects both the strengths and weaknesses of the era’s British blues boom. Some tracks fall into sluggish, overly indulgent jamming, revealing a tendency toward repetition rather than reinvention. Yet there are notable exceptions. Artists like Savoy Brown, Jo-Ann Kelly and T.S. McPhee bring moments of character, with McPhee’s You Don’t Love Me adding a darker, atmospheric edge through its haunting organ work.

Moments that truly resonate

The real standouts, however, come from John Mayall’s 1965 Immediate single. Tracks like I’m Your Witchdoctor deliver a far more focused and complete performance, elevated by Clapton’s piercing guitar sustain. These recordings show what the scene could achieve at its best—tight, expressive, and emotionally charged. Even if much of the collection feels like a rough sketch, its highlights remain invaluable, preserving the early sparks of artists who would soon redefine blues and rock on a global scale.

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