Meaning: Alexis Korner, a prominent musician and one of the pioneers of the British blues movement, made this statement that sheds light on the perception of music genres during his time. The quote reflects the cultural and musical landscape of the mid-20th century, particularly in the context of jazz and blues music.

Korner's statement highlights the categorization of musicians and the prevalent distinction between jazz and blues during that era. He expressed that he was labeled as a jazz musician rather than a blues player, indicating the dominance of jazz as a recognized and respected genre, while the blues was not given similar recognition. This distinction suggests that the music industry and the public may have perceived jazz as a more sophisticated and prominent genre compared to the blues.

During the mid-20th century, jazz music had already established itself as a popular and influential genre. Originating in African-American communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, jazz had evolved into various styles and subgenres, gaining widespread appeal and recognition. Its improvisational nature, complex harmonies, and virtuosic performances had solidified its position as a significant genre in the music world.

On the other hand, the blues, which also emerged from the African-American experience, particularly in the rural Southern United States, had a different trajectory. Though deeply rooted in American musical traditions, the blues had been historically marginalized and underrepresented compared to jazz. The blues was often associated with hardship, struggle, and raw emotion, reflecting the experiences of African-American communities, especially in the context of oppression and discrimination.

Korner's assertion that there were "no blues players" and that musicians were categorized as playing "one sort of jazz or another sort of jazz" underscores the lack of recognition and acknowledgment of the blues as a distinct and valuable genre. This sentiment reflects the broader societal attitudes and perceptions towards the blues during that period.

It is important to note that Korner himself played a pivotal role in popularizing the blues in the UK. He was a central figure in the British blues movement, which emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Alongside musicians such as Cyril Davies, Korner formed the influential band Blues Incorporated, which served as a breeding ground for aspiring musicians and played a crucial role in introducing British audiences to the blues.

As the British blues movement gained momentum, it contributed to a reevaluation of the blues genre, leading to its increased recognition and influence in the music industry. This shift in perception and reception of the blues eventually paved the way for the genre to gain a more prominent status in popular music.

In conclusion, Alexis Korner's quote provides a glimpse into the historical context of the jazz and blues genres, illustrating the disparity in how they were perceived and categorized during the mid-20th century. Korner's own contributions to the popularization of the blues in the UK further emphasize the evolving dynamics of music genres and the impact of influential musicians in reshaping perceptions and promoting artistic diversity.