Saturday 13 April 2013

Savoy Brown: Songs From The Road

Songs From The Road
Savoy Brown
Savoy Brown have been pumping out the blues rock since the mid-1960s. Kim Simmonds is the only original member left in the band, but as singer/songwriter and guitarist there's no danger of the Savoy Brown turning things down from 11.

Songs From The Road is a live recording on the Ruf Records label that hits the ground running from the scorching instrumental opener - 24/7 - through to the closing Wang Dang Doodle.

Track List

24/7
Looking In
Natural Man
Street Corner Talking
She's Got The Heat
Time Does Tell
Voodoo Moon
Meet The Blues Head On
Hellbound Train
Shockwaves
Tell Mama
Wang Dang Doodle

2011's best-selling Voodoo Moon album is well represented here, as one would expect with She's Got The Heat, Natural Man, Voodoo Moon, Meet The Blues Head On and Shockwaves all present and correct. However, with a back catalogue dipping toes into six different decades, room is still found for earlier material to rub shoulders with the new. For example, Street Corner Talking goes all the way back to 1971 but doesn't sound even remotely dated.

Personnel:

Kim Simmonds: guitar, vocals.
Joe Whiting: saxophone, vocals.
Pat DeSalvo: bass, vocals.
Garnett Grimm: drums.

Stand out tracks:  24/7, Voodoo Moon, Hellbound Train (just under 14 minutes!).

Of course, simply listening to the songs gives just half of the experience. Another great thing about this release is that it comes with a full DVD of the concert too, complete with two bonus tracks - Little Red Rooster and Louisiana Blues - plus an illuminating 10-minute interview with Kim Simmonds.

Your ears may need a rest afterwards, but I can recommend this slice of fast and furious blue rock to all those who want to see an uncompromising band playing as if their lives depend on it.

Find out more about Savoy Brown over at their official website.

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