Savoy Brown – Blues All Around
Quarto Valley Records
12 songs – 46 minutes
In the vast landscape of blues-rock, Savoy Brown stands as a pioneering force, having emerged from England in the mid-1960s. "Blues All Around" serves as a poignant, and likely final, testament to the band's legacy, marking their 42nd album and sadly, a farewell to the blues-rock icon, Kim Simmonds, who passed away in December 2022.
Recorded amid Simmonds' declining health, the album unfolds as a powerful showcase of Savoy Brown's signature heavy blues-rock approach. Simmonds, the band's leader, vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, remained the sole original member until his passing. His formidable guitar skills, despite the challenges posed by illness, are skillfully captured on this recording.
The recording process itself reflects the circumstances, with Simmonds laying down his guitar and vocal tracks first, followed by bassist Pat DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm adding their rhythm components. Simmonds, grappling with peripheral neuropathy resulting from chemotherapy, gravitated towards playing more slide guitar on the album, compensating for the loss of dexterity.
The album's 12 tracks, all written by Simmonds, encapsulate the band's blues-rock legacy. "Falling Through The Cracks" bookends the record, opening with a brief 43-second version featuring Simmonds' evocative finger-picking and closing with a five-minute exploration of loneliness, showcasing the intimate connection between Simmonds and his guitar.
The core of "Blues All Around" lies in the mid-paced blues-rock stompers that nod to the heavy riff-based formula popularized by bands like Deep Purple in the late 1960s. Simmonds adeptly crafts variations on the classic 12-bar structure, introducing nuances like the descending riff on "Black Heart" or the reverse turnaround on "Hurting Spell."
Lyrically, the songs traverse traditional blues themes—betrayed love, desire, travel, and nostalgic reminiscences. Simmonds delivers these narratives with a weathered yet charismatic voice. However, Savoy Brown's albums have always been about more than just lyrics and vocals; they're a testament to the groove and Simmonds' exceptional guitar work. "Blues All Around" effortlessly checks all the boxes in this regard, with Simmonds' slide guitar skills standing out as exceptional.
Recorded at Subcat Studios in Syracuse, NY, by Ron Keck, the album possesses an unexpected liveliness and vitality. Despite the challenging circumstances surrounding its creation, "Blues All Around" exudes the energy and spirit that defines Savoy Brown's storied career.
While Savoy Brown may not have achieved superstardom, their enduring legacy is secured by a dedicated fan base. "Blues All Around" serves as a fitting memorial to Kim Simmonds—a superb guitarist, songwriter, and a pivotal figure in the blues-rock genre. The album resonates with the band's signature sound and stands as a testament to their enduring influence in the world of blues.
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