Meaning: This quote by Alexis Korner, a pioneering figure in the British blues scene, offers an insightful perspective on the development of blues music in Britain. Korner, a musician and a key figure in the British blues movement, is known for his influential role in popularizing blues music in the United Kingdom. In this quote, he comments on the distinct characteristics of British blues and highlights some of the perceived shortcomings in comparison to its American counterpart.

The first part of the quote, "The British feel of blues has been hard, rather than emotional," suggests that Korner believed British blues music to have a more rugged and tough quality compared to the emotional depth often associated with the blues genre. This observation may reflect the influence of British rock and roll and R&B on the development of blues music in the UK, leading to a sound that emphasized a harder edge over emotional expression.

Korner's critique continues with the statement, "Far too much emphasis on 12 bar, too little attention to words, far too little originality." Here, he points out three specific issues he perceives in British blues. The emphasis on the 12-bar blues structure, a fundamental framework in blues music, may have led to a lack of variety and originality in British blues compositions. Additionally, his criticism of "too little attention to words" suggests that he felt British blues musicians may have focused more on musical arrangements and less on the lyrical content of their songs. This observation aligns with the traditional blues focus on storytelling through lyrics, and Korner's comment implies that this aspect may have been overlooked in the British blues scene.

Moreover, his mention of "far too little originality" suggests that he believed British blues musicians were not sufficiently innovative or creative in their approach to the genre. This criticism may reflect a perception that British blues artists were heavily influenced by their American counterparts and struggled to carve out a distinctive and original sound.

It's important to consider the historical context in which British blues developed. In the 1950s and 1960s, the UK experienced a significant cultural exchange with the United States, particularly in the realm of music. American blues artists, such as Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, had a profound impact on British musicians, including bands like The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. These British artists were instrumental in popularizing blues music in the UK and adapting it to suit their own musical sensibilities.

Korner's critique sheds light on the nuances of the British blues scene and the challenges faced by musicians seeking to authentically interpret and adapt a genre with deep roots in American history and culture. While his comments may be seen as critical, they also serve as a reflection of the evolving nature of music and the complexities of cross-cultural musical exchange.

In conclusion, Alexis Korner's quote offers valuable insights into the development of British blues and the challenges faced by musicians in adapting and interpreting a genre with deep cultural and historical roots. His observations prompt a deeper exploration of the distinct characteristics of British blues and its relationship to its American counterpart, shedding light on the evolution of a genre that continues to captivate audiences around the world.