SAVOY BROWN – Witchy Feelin’ (2017)
UK blues rock legends SAVOY BROWN will release a new studio album, “Witchy Feelin“, via German label Ruf Records on August 25.
One might ask any number of internet-based oracles how many records Savoy Brown has put out since the band’s inception in the Sixties, but suffice it to say that even if one doesn’t count live releases, greatest hits collections, other compilations and so on, the number ranges upwards of 30.
It’s the kind of no-rest-for-the-wicked discography that can result from a truly creative, passionate heart, and an absolute refusal to do anything but press forward despite whatever challenges invariably arise across years and decades.
One of the true rock n roll legendary acts from all times, Savoy Brown is one of the less heralded acts of the era. Still, the group remains alive and alert, having released dozens of albums over the course of half a century.
With this new album “Witchy Feelin’”, the band demonstrates that it has more than just longevity on its side, showing off a sustained professionalism and creativity. It isn’t exactly a renaissance piece, but it’s still solid and uncompromising.
Founding member Kim Simmonds, a guitarist, vocalist, keyboardist and harmonica man of considerable talents, remains the driving force, his guitar playing as fluid and inspired as it was on the band’s 1967 debut. Yeah, he was a kid then, with only 17 years.
As lyricists go, he may never have risen to the heights of Robert Plant, but they drink from the same well. Whatever he doesn’t pour into words easily comes across in his six-string abilities.
Witness the title track, four minutes of blues fluidity that seems to crawl from the UK through some upstate New York swamp, cooled and ready to inhabit virtually every corner of your mind until you simply can’t imagine a time when you didn’t know Simmonds’ soul-scorching bends and runs.
There, as on “Vintage Man” and the swampy, understated “Standing in a Doorway,” he sounds like a man striving for something that’s just beyond the reach of his fingers. If his voice is less a barbaric yawp and more the sound of well-worn reason, so be it. It may be more effective this way.
The title “Guitar Slinger” says all, an electrifying blues rocker, and “Can’t Find Paradise” even has a commercial, melodic side.
Simmonds still plays well enough that any would-be blues player could learn a thing or two from the guitar parts on the rocking “Why Did You Hoodoo Me?”.
“Thunder, Lightning & Rain” raises a storm as modern blues-anthem. Kim lets his guitar spread the voodoo magic using wah-wah pedals in a modern, zippy and starry, extravaganza style. Play It Loud for your and your friends or neighbours pleasure …
Such tracks reveal an artist so dedicated to his craft that he never reaches for stock responses and clichéd licks, preferring to express something vital and original.
“Close To Midnight” concludes the album in a relaxed, beautiful, calm and empathetic magic style for your wellness, felicity and to keep away any evil from any bad and demoniac creatures.
However, Savoy Brown’s “Witchy Feelin” proves the Devil still has all the best tunes. Kim Simmonds leads us into a world of dark nights, wild weather, women and whiskey: all perennial themes given a modern twist by this ageless bluesman.
Simmonds for sure can play a simple yet emotional electric guitar lick, and his baritone matured vocals – some kind of a mix between J.J. Cale and Mark Knopfler – are pure classic rock.
Strongly Recommended
01 – Why Did You Hoodoo Me
02 – Livin´on The Bayou
03 – I Can´t Stop The Blues
04 – Witchy Feelin´
05 – Guitar Slinger
06 – Vintage Man
07 – Standing In A Doorway
08 – Memphis Blues
09 – Can´t Find Paradise
10 – Thunder, Lightning & Rain
11 – Close To Midnight
Kim Simmonds – vocals, guitars
Pat Desalvo – bass
Garnet Grimm – drums
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Witchy-Feelin-Savoy-Brown/dp/B071JV92FC
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