Still Got the Blues: How Savoy Brown Became My Gateway to British Blues Rock Bliss
The first time I heard Savoy Brown, I didn’t even realize I was listening to a British band. The grit, the groove, the soul—it all sounded straight out of Chicago or Memphis. But nope—turns out this blues-rock powerhouse came from across the pond, proving once and for all that the blues may have been born in America, but it found a second home in the U.K.
And for me? Savoy Brown became that perfect bridge between the British blues boom and the raw American roots that started it all. They’ve been in my life for decades, and I still reach for their albums when I want blues with drive, style, and swagger.
From London to the Delta and Back Again
Formed in 1965 by guitarist Kim Simmonds, Savoy Brown was part of the same British blues explosion that gave us Fleetwood Mac, John Mayall, and Cream. But what set Savoy Brown apart was their relentless work ethic and deep respect for the blues. They weren’t just dabbling in the form—they were immersed in it.
Led by Simmonds—who remained the band’s heart and soul until his passing in 2022—Savoy Brown became one of the most durable and road-tested blues rock outfits ever. They played American-style blues with British flair, and over the years they built a cult following that’s stuck with them through over 50 years of gigs, lineup changes, and killer records.
Kim Simmonds: The Guitar That Never Quit
Let’s talk about Kim Simmonds—because honestly, the guy deserves to be mentioned right alongside Clapton and Green. His playing is tasteful, melodic, and soulful as hell. He didn’t need to show off—he just played from the heart.
Simmonds had this beautiful ability to blend smooth British blues phrasing with a gritty, American edge. His solos never felt rushed. They breathed. And even in the later years, his tone was rich, warm, and deeply expressive.
He was Savoy Brown. And when he passed, it felt like the end of an era. But man… what a legacy.
Albums That Made Me a Lifelong Fan
Savoy Brown’s catalog is massive, but here are a few albums that pulled me in and never let go:
- 🎸 Blue Matter (1969) – A brilliant mix of studio cuts and live tracks. Simmonds is on fire here, and the band is as tight as it gets.
- 🔥 Raw Sienna (1970) – My personal favorite. Lush, funky, emotional. “I’m Tired” and “A Hard Way to Go” are essential.
- 💥 Looking In (1970) – Heavy, rocking, and full of attitude. A great blues-rock album with a bit of grit in the mix.
- 🎤 Hellbound Train (1972) – The title track is haunting, hypnotic, and unforgettable. This album has a darker edge, and I love it.
- 🕶️ Witchy Feelin’ (2017) – Proof that Savoy Brown never lost their mojo. Full of soul and modern production, but true to their roots.
Whether you’re into British blues, classic rock, or Southern-fried boogie, there’s something here for you.
Seeing Them Live: A Blues Institution
I saw Savoy Brown live once in the late ’90s, in a packed club where everyone in the room knew they were witnessing royalty. Kim Simmonds stood stage-left, unassuming but in complete control, delivering one beautiful solo after another.
No flashy pyrotechnics. Just tone, touch, and a lifetime of feel pouring out of his Les Paul. The band grooved like a blues train, and the crowd loved every second of it.
They weren’t trying to be young or hip. They were just being real. And that’s what made it unforgettable.
Why Savoy Brown Still Matters
Savoy Brown might not be the first name you hear when people talk about British blues rock—but they should be. They were consistent, authentic, and built to last.
While others chased fame or fell apart, Kim Simmonds kept the band rolling—album after album, gig after gig. And through it all, they stayed true to the blues, never straying too far from their musical roots.
They showed us that blues rock doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel—it just needs soul, groove, and a guitar that tells the truth. And man, did they deliver.
Where to Start If You’re New
Here’s your Savoy Brown starter kit:
- 🎧 Raw Sienna – Lush and full of groove.
- 💿 Looking In – Blues rock with muscle.
- 🔥 Hellbound Train – Dark, moody, unforgettable.
- 🎸 Witchy Feelin’ – A perfect example of how they aged like fine wine.
More at savoybrown.com
Savoy Brown didn’t just play the blues—they wore it like a second skin. They weren’t trying to be the biggest band in the room. They were trying to be the most authentic. And for fans like me, that made all the difference.
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