Savoy Brown – City Night (CD) (Quarto Valley Records)

Formed in the mid 1960s, Savoy Brown are synonymous with the late 60s blues boom, and (partly due to their heavy touring) soon found success in the USA.

Fronted by founder guitarist Kim Simmonds, the current trio have been together for 10 years now. The band have played as a four piece, with the likes of Chris Youlden, Dave Walker, Andy Pyle, Bill Bruford, Paul Raymond and Bob Hall all passing through the ranks. And not forgetting Dave Peverett, Roger Earl and Tony Stevens who all went on to form Foghat.

Simmonds has been a staple of the British blues scene for over 50 years, on record and on stage, and this new album lives up to every expectation. Reports from the recent UK tour matched that.

No pianist or rhythm guitarist now, but the music is pure blues/rock with a heavy and earthy feel.

Opener Walking On Hot Stones is solid, deep and heavy. Red Light Mama has a fine riff, from both bass and rhythm. In fact, the solidness of the wandering bass allows the guitar to go free reign and it’s a great feel. Simmonds is a one-man lead and rhythm guitarist combined, and there’s some decent slide here too.

Some of the tracks remind of what Foghat was playing when they reformed in the mid-90s, there’s that kind of heavy feel with a touch of boogie to it.

While some tracks nod to harsh or edgy blues, the 6 minute title track has a warm and easy feel, there’s a slight hint of Chris Rea in there (no it’s not quite THAT MOR).

If you like your blues rock, with some fine lead guitar and a rhythm section solid enough to support it, you will love this. 9/10

Joe Geesin

Line-up

Kim Simmonds – guitar, vocals

Pat DeSalvo – bass

Garnet Grimm – drums

Tracks

Walking On Hot Stones

Don’t Hang Me Out To Dry

Payback Time

Red Light Mama

Conjure Rhythm

Neighbourhood Blues

Selfish World

Wearing Thin

City Night

Hang In Touch

Superstitious Woman

Ain’t Gonna Worry