Savoy Brown founder and blues rock legend, Kim Simmonds, shows off his lighter side of acoustic guitar playing, singing and song writing on his new album, Struck By Lightning.
Considered one of the architects of British blues, Simmonds started the Savoy Brown Blues Band in 1965 in London. Signing with Decca, Savoy Brown’s classic line-up was completed by rhythm guitarist Lonesome Dave Peverett, and the monocle and bowler hat-wearing vocalist Chris Youlden, in 1969.
Known for his fiery and heavy blues rock guitar playing and singing, he and Savoy Brown moved operations to the USA in 1980. Simmonds still tours extensively with Savoy Brown and records albums. In 2017, his album with Savoy Brown, Witchy Feeling, reached No.1 on the Billboard blues charts.
Struck By Lightning is considered by many to be a highlight among his five acoustic solo albums. This 2004 studio session recording shows off Simmonds’ blues playing in a refined acoustic band combo setting. The 12 tracks cover plenty of musical territory. There are nine self-composed tracks, two classic blues covers from Peetie Wheatstraw and Arthur Crudup as well as a remake of an NRBQ song.
Struck By Lightning was recorded in Simmonds’ own White Cottage Studios and each song reflects a truly personal side of this great international artist. Struck By Lightning is a wonderful treat for fans of Kim, Savoy Brown and acoustic.
Michael Heatley, writing for Record Collector, said: “The direction he’s headed in is one previously occupied by the likes of RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, doyens of the Fat Possum label, and the emphasis is on understated but inventive guitar work. “By the time you reach track 12, a reprise of the title song in the form of its demo recording, you may feel you have had enough of a good thing. A worthy effort.”
TRACKS
Struck By Lightning
Last Train Has Gone
The Truth Comes Out
Ain't No Free Road
Tramp Blues
So Glad You’re Mine
My Home Is A Highway
Like An Angel
Don't Know Who To Talk To
Living In New York
Talking 'Bout New Orleans
Struck By Lightning (reprise)