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Tag: Savoy Brown

  • Savoy Brown – Jaguar Car

    Savoy Brown – Jaguar Car

    Savoy Brown – Jaguar Car

    Savoy Brown – The British Blues Band That Lit the Fire in My Soul

    I’ve been listening to blues and rock since I was a teenager, but no band hit me quite like Savoy Brown.
    The first time I heard Tell Mama, I felt like I’d stumbled into a smoky London club in the late ’60s—loud amps, blistering solos, and pure blues passion coming through the speakers.

    That was it.
    I became a fan for life. And I still am.

    The British Blues Explosion – And the Band That Carried the Torch

    Formed in London in 1965, Savoy Brown was part of the original British blues explosion.
    While names like Fleetwood Mac and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers may have gotten more headlines, Savoy Brown brought a grittier, more guitar-driven edge to the scene—and they never stopped.

    Led by the great Kim Simmonds, the band pushed through decades of changing tastes, lineup shifts, and music trends without ever losing their identity.

    They didn’t just flirt with the blues—they were married to it.

    The Sound: Blues Rock with a British Bite

    Savoy Brown’s music blends traditional American blues with British rock urgency:

    • 🎸 Kim Simmonds’ guitar playing is the heart of it all—soulful, melodic, and packed with tone.
    • 🎤 Vocals always had that gravelly authenticity—whether it was Chris Youlden, Dave Walker, or later singers.
    • 🎶 The songs groove, burn, and build like great blues always should.

    They didn’t overcomplicate things. They let the riffs and emotion do the talking.

    Albums That Changed Everything for Me

    If you’re just discovering Savoy Brown, here are the albums that changed my life:

    • 💿 Blue Matter (1969) – A mix of live and studio tracks. This was my introduction, and it’s still a masterpiece.
    • 🎧 A Step Further (1969) – Includes the 22-minute “Savoy Brown Boogie.” That track is fire.
    • 🔥 Looking In (1970) – Heavier, bluesier, and full of feeling.
    • 🎙️ Hellbound Train (1972) – The title track alone is worth the price of admission.
    • 🎸 The Devil to Pay (2015) & City Night (2019) – Kim Simmonds still had it decades later.

    From the late ’60s to the 2020s, Savoy Brown never stopped delivering the goods.

    Seeing Savoy Brown Live – A True Blues Journey

    I had the chance to see Savoy Brown in a small club in the early 2000s.
    Kim Simmonds stood center stage—quiet, focused, guitar in hand—and then launched into a solo that made the room go silent.

    It wasn’t about speed or flash.
    It was about feel, tone, and soul.

    That night, I realized something: Savoy Brown never chased fame. They chased truth.
    And that truth came through every bend, slide, and chord.

    Remembering Kim Simmonds – The Heart and Soul

    In 2022, the blues world lost a giant when Kim Simmonds passed away.
    But his legacy? It’s etched in every note he played.

    He kept Savoy Brown alive for over 50 years.
    He wrote, recorded, and toured until the end—because this music was his life’s purpose.
    And I’m forever grateful he shared it with the world.

    Why Savoy Brown Still Matters

    In an era of disposable music and shallow hits, Savoy Brown reminds us that blues rock has depth, heart, and history.

    They were never trendy. Never chasing the spotlight.
    They were steady, soulful, and authentic to the core.

    If you want to hear what it sounds like when a band truly loves the blues—and lives it—Savoy Brown is essential listening.

    Where to Start If You’re New

    Your Savoy Brown starter kit:

    • 🎧 Blue Matter – Classic, raw, and bluesy.
    • 💿 Looking In – A little darker, a little heavier.
    • 🔥 Hellbound Train – For the epic title track and powerful themes.
    • 📀 City Night – One of their most recent and most powerful late-era albums.
    • 📺 YouTube: Search “Savoy Brown live Kim Simmonds” for live clips that’ll blow your mind.

    More at savoybrown.com

    Savoy Brown may never have been the loudest band in the room, but they’ve always had the truest voice.
    And that voice still echoes through my speakers, every time I hit play.

    🎸💙🔥

    Video

    Thank You

    We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

  • Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown – Cobra

    Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown – Cobra

    Blues with Teeth: How Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown’s “Cobra” Slithered into My Soul and Never Let Go

    You ever hear a guitar tone so sharp and slick it feels like a blade to the gut—in the best possible way? That was me, the first time I listened to “Cobra” by Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown.

    It wasn’t loud for the sake of loud. It wasn’t fast just to show off.
    It was mean, lean, and locked in, full of coiled energy and blues swagger.
    The groove? Unrelenting.
    The solo? Like a serpent striking—clean, fast, and full of venom.

    This wasn’t just blues rock.
    This was blues with intent.

    Kim Simmonds: The Quiet Genius Behind Savoy Brown

    If you’re not familiar with Kim Simmonds, let me just say this: he was one of the true pioneers of British blues rock.
    While Clapton, Page, and Beck were getting all the headlines, Kim was quietly building something grittier and more grounded with Savoy Brown—a band he led from the mid-’60s until his passing in 2022.

    Where other British blues acts veered into psychedelia or hard rock, Kim kept things earthy, soulful, and groove-heavy. He respected the American blues roots—and it showed.

    And on the 2011 track “Cobra” from the Voodoo Moon album, Kim brought it all together—blues tradition with modern attitude, wrapped in a slithering, hypnotic groove.

    “Cobra”: A Blues Rock Masterclass

    There’s a reason “Cobra” still hits me like a jolt of electricity. From the first note, the band digs into a deep, swampy riff that loops like a hypnotic trance. It’s simple but menacing.

    Kim’s guitar cuts through with that unmistakable sustain-heavy tone—not flashy, but full of precision, character, and bite.

    And when he solos? Forget fretboard gymnastics. This is a man who knows the value of one well-placed bend. The kind that makes you wince and smile at the same time.

    The instrumental breaks let the groove breathe, and by the time the track fades, you feel like you’ve been staring down something dangerous—and loving every second of it.

    Why “Cobra” Stands Out in the Savoy Brown Catalog

    Savoy Brown put out a ton of albums, and I love so many of them—especially classics like Looking In, Hellbound Train, and Raw Sienna. But “Cobra” hits different.

    It’s modern but timeless, slick but swampy.
    It doesn’t try to replicate the past—it evolves it. You can hear the influence of Chicago blues, Texas boogie, and even a little British hard rock in there, but it’s all filtered through Kim’s singular, soulful vision.

    And it’s a reminder: even late in his career, Kim Simmonds was still creating fresh, fearless blues music. He never phoned it in. He played like a man who still had something to say—and a guitar that knew how to say it.

    Remembering Kim Simmonds: A Legacy of Class and Tone

    Kim passed away in December 2022, and the blues world lost one of its most tasteful, underappreciated voices.

    He never chased fame. He never needed the spotlight.
    He just kept writing, recording, and laying down guitar parts that felt like the blues was supposed to feel—truthful, tough, and full of heart.

    “Cobra” isn’t just a song. It’s a mission statement.
    It says, “I’m still here. I’ve still got the tone. And I’ve still got the blues.”

    Where to Start If You’re New to Savoy Brown

    If “Cobra” caught your ear, trust me—you’re in for a deep, rewarding dive. Try these:

    • 🐍 Voodoo Moon (2011) – For “Cobra” and other late-career gems.
    • 🔥 Looking In (1970) – Their gritty blues rock peak.
    • 🚂 Hellbound Train (1972) – A slow-burn classic. The title track is unforgettable.
    • 🎹 Raw Sienna (1970) – More soulful, jazzy, and adventurous.
    • 📀 Ain’t Done Yet (2020) – His final album. Emotional, strong, and a fitting farewell.

    Kim Simmonds and “Cobra” reminded me that you don’t need to shout to make a statement. Sometimes all it takes is a slow, snaking groove, a tightly coiled riff, and a guitar that speaks volumes without a single word. That’s blues. That’s legacy. That’s Savoy Brown. 🎸🐍🔥

  • Savoy Brown – Savoy Brown Boogie

    Savoy Brown – Savoy Brown Boogie

    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.

    Thank You

    We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

  • Savoy Brown – Jaguar Car [video]

    Savoy Brown – Jaguar Car [video]

    Savoy Brown – The British Blues Band That Lit the Fire in My Soul

    I’ve been listening to blues and rock since I was a teenager, but no band hit me quite like Savoy Brown.
    The first time I heard Tell Mama, I felt like I’d stumbled into a smoky London club in the late ’60s—loud amps, blistering solos, and pure blues passion coming through the speakers.

    That was it.
    I became a fan for life. And I still am.

    The British Blues Explosion – And the Band That Carried the Torch

    Formed in London in 1965, Savoy Brown was part of the original British blues explosion.
    While names like Fleetwood Mac and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers may have gotten more headlines, Savoy Brown brought a grittier, more guitar-driven edge to the scene—and they never stopped.

    Led by the great Kim Simmonds, the band pushed through decades of changing tastes, lineup shifts, and music trends without ever losing their identity.

    They didn’t just flirt with the blues—they were married to it.

    The Sound: Blues Rock with a British Bite

    Savoy Brown’s music blends traditional American blues with British rock urgency:

    • 🎸 Kim Simmonds’ guitar playing is the heart of it all—soulful, melodic, and packed with tone.
    • 🎤 Vocals always had that gravelly authenticity—whether it was Chris Youlden, Dave Walker, or later singers.
    • 🎶 The songs groove, burn, and build like great blues always should.

    They didn’t overcomplicate things. They let the riffs and emotion do the talking.

    Albums That Changed Everything for Me

    If you’re just discovering Savoy Brown, here are the albums that changed my life:

    • 💿 Blue Matter (1969) – A mix of live and studio tracks. This was my introduction, and it’s still a masterpiece.
    • 🎧 A Step Further (1969) – Includes the 22-minute “Savoy Brown Boogie.” That track is fire.
    • 🔥 Looking In (1970) – Heavier, bluesier, and full of feeling.
    • 🎙️ Hellbound Train (1972) – The title track alone is worth the price of admission.
    • 🎸 The Devil to Pay (2015) & City Night (2019) – Kim Simmonds still had it decades later.

    From the late ’60s to the 2020s, Savoy Brown never stopped delivering the goods.

    Seeing Savoy Brown Live – A True Blues Journey

    I had the chance to see Savoy Brown in a small club in the early 2000s.
    Kim Simmonds stood center stage—quiet, focused, guitar in hand—and then launched into a solo that made the room go silent.

    It wasn’t about speed or flash.
    It was about feel, tone, and soul.

    That night, I realized something: Savoy Brown never chased fame. They chased truth.
    And that truth came through every bend, slide, and chord.

    Remembering Kim Simmonds – The Heart and Soul

    In 2022, the blues world lost a giant when Kim Simmonds passed away.
    But his legacy? It’s etched in every note he played.

    He kept Savoy Brown alive for over 50 years.
    He wrote, recorded, and toured until the end—because this music was his life’s purpose.
    And I’m forever grateful he shared it with the world.

    Why Savoy Brown Still Matters

    In an era of disposable music and shallow hits, Savoy Brown reminds us that blues rock has depth, heart, and history.

    They were never trendy. Never chasing the spotlight.
    They were steady, soulful, and authentic to the core.

    If you want to hear what it sounds like when a band truly loves the blues—and lives it—Savoy Brown is essential listening.

    Where to Start If You’re New

    Your Savoy Brown starter kit:

    • 🎧 Blue Matter – Classic, raw, and bluesy.
    • 💿 Looking In – A little darker, a little heavier.
    • 🔥 Hellbound Train – For the epic title track and powerful themes.
    • 📀 City Night – One of their most recent and most powerful late-era albums.
    • 📺 YouTube: Search “Savoy Brown live Kim Simmonds” for live clips that’ll blow your mind.

    More at savoybrown.com

    Savoy Brown may never have been the loudest band in the room, but they’ve always had the truest voice.
    And that voice still echoes through my speakers, every time I hit play.

    🎸💙🔥

    Video

    Thank You

    We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

  • Savoy Brown – Slow Blues

    Savoy Brown – Slow Blues

    Savoy Brown: A Journey Through Blues Rock History

    In the heart of 1960s London, Savoy Brown emerged as a beacon of blues rock, thanks to the visionary leadership of guitarist Kim Simmonds. Founded in 1965, the band stood out in the British blues scene, boasting a lineup that included talents like harmonica player John O’Leary and singer Bryce Portius. They quickly made a name for themselves, channeling the raw energy of blues into their unique sound.

    Remembering Kim Simmonds: The Heart of Savoy Brown

    Kim Simmonds, a name synonymous with British blues, was not just a member of Savoy Brown, but its soul. His journey with the band, from its inception through to their latest releases, was marked by his unwavering dedication and creative spirit. Even after his passing on December 13, 2022, his legacy continues to resonate in every chord of Savoy Brown’s music.

    Chart Success and Musical Impact

    Savoy Brown’s contribution to the blues rock genre is monumental. Their style, a blend of energetic blues and rock, placed them alongside giants like Cream and Fleetwood Mac. Tracks such as “I’m Tired” and “Train to Nowhere” climbed the Billboard charts, while albums like “Looking In” and “Hellbound Train” reached the Top Forty. Their enduring appeal was evident when their 2017 album, “Witchy Feelin’,” topped the Billboard Blues Chart.

    Influencing the Music World

    The band’s extensive touring history saw them headline at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. They helped pave the way for other artists; bands like Kiss and ZZ Top once opened for them. Many of Savoy Brown’s alumni, having honed their skills under Simmonds’ mentorship, went on to achieve success with other influential bands.

    Kim Simmonds: A Legacy of Artistic Integrity

    Kim Simmonds’ influence extended beyond his music. Residing in the USA since 1980, he was honored with numerous accolades, including a feature on the cover of Guitar Player magazine and a spot on the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame. His philosophy of balancing mainstream success with personal artistic expression has left an indelible mark on the music world.

    Savoy Brown Today: Upholding the Legacy

    Over fifty years later, Savoy Brown, now without its founding member, continues to uphold the legacy laid down by Kim Simmonds. The current lineup, with its stability and dedication, represents the enduring spirit of the band. Their recent album “Ain’t Done Yet,” released in 2020, is a testament to their ongoing commitment to the blues rock genre.

    In summary, Savoy Brown, under the guidance of the late Kim Simmonds, stands as a towering figure in blues rock history. Their journey from London’s club scene to international acclaim, their chart-topping hits, and their influence on generations of musicians, are a fitting tribute to Simmonds’ lasting impact on the world of music.

    Very good interview with Kim Simmonds by Joe Bonamassa. So good to hear more of the story, especially after Kim having passed away so recently. He is a legend!

    We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

  • Savoy Brown – Slow Blues

    Savoy Brown – Slow Blues

    Savoy Brown: A Journey Through Blues Rock History

    In the heart of 1960s London, Savoy Brown emerged as a beacon of blues rock, thanks to the visionary leadership of guitarist Kim Simmonds. Founded in 1965, the band stood out in the British blues scene, boasting a lineup that included talents like harmonica player John O’Leary and singer Bryce Portius. They quickly made a name for themselves, channeling the raw energy of blues into their unique sound.

    Remembering Kim Simmonds: The Heart of Savoy Brown

    Kim Simmonds, a name synonymous with British blues, was not just a member of Savoy Brown, but its soul. His journey with the band, from its inception through to their latest releases, was marked by his unwavering dedication and creative spirit. Even after his passing on December 13, 2022, his legacy continues to resonate in every chord of Savoy Brown’s music.

    Chart Success and Musical Impact

    Savoy Brown’s contribution to the blues rock genre is monumental. Their style, a blend of energetic blues and rock, placed them alongside giants like Cream and Fleetwood Mac. Tracks such as “I’m Tired” and “Train to Nowhere” climbed the Billboard charts, while albums like “Looking In” and “Hellbound Train” reached the Top Forty. Their enduring appeal was evident when their 2017 album, “Witchy Feelin’,” topped the Billboard Blues Chart.

    Influencing the Music World

    The band’s extensive touring history saw them headline at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. They helped pave the way for other artists; bands like Kiss and ZZ Top once opened for them. Many of Savoy Brown’s alumni, having honed their skills under Simmonds’ mentorship, went on to achieve success with other influential bands.

    Kim Simmonds: A Legacy of Artistic Integrity

    Kim Simmonds’ influence extended beyond his music. Residing in the USA since 1980, he was honored with numerous accolades, including a feature on the cover of Guitar Player magazine and a spot on the Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame. His philosophy of balancing mainstream success with personal artistic expression has left an indelible mark on the music world.

    Savoy Brown Today: Upholding the Legacy

    Over fifty years later, Savoy Brown, now without its founding member, continues to uphold the legacy laid down by Kim Simmonds. The current lineup, with its stability and dedication, represents the enduring spirit of the band. Their recent album “Ain’t Done Yet,” released in 2020, is a testament to their ongoing commitment to the blues rock genre.

    In summary, Savoy Brown, under the guidance of the late Kim Simmonds, stands as a towering figure in blues rock history. Their journey from London’s club scene to international acclaim, their chart-topping hits, and their influence on generations of musicians, are a fitting tribute to Simmonds’ lasting impact on the world of music.

    Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cP76n3WW67E

    Thank You!

    We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.