Kim Simmonds, the founder and longtime frontman for Savoy Brown, lost his battle with colon cancer on December 13, 2022. That makes Blues All Around, released in February, likely the last offering from the British blues-rock legends.
The band was originally formed in 1965. Savoy Brown’s first album dates back to 1967, and albums generally regarded as the band’s early masterpieces, psychedelic blues-rock fusions Blue Matter and Raw Sienna, were released in 1969 and 1970. Since those edgy days, Simmonds and Savoy Brown settled into a comfortable niche as mainstays of British blues-rock, along with the likes of John Mayall. Like Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Savoy Brown, particularly in the early years, was often a springboard for band members, with musicians moving on to feature in the likes of The Kinks, Yes, King Crimson, Humble Pie and Foghat. If Mayall is the king of British blues, Simmonds was certainly a Lord or a Duke. He will be missed.
As the years have passed by, Simmonds’ style matured from the aggressive, somewhat blues-rocker of the 1960s, who invaded America during the same time period as early Fleetwood Mac and Cream, to the more laid back, swampy bluesman of more recent vintage.
Blues All Around stands up with some of Savoy Brown’s best work, with perhaps more slide guitar work than usual. Check out “Black Heart,” “Going Down South,” “California Days Gone By” and the title song for some sweet guitar work that can be relished every second by blues enthusiasts.
Joining Simmonds for this last effort were Garnet Grimm on percussion and Pat Desalvo on bass.
About the author: Bill Wilcox is a roots music enthusiast recently relocated from the Washington, DC area to Philadelphia, PA and back again.