Acclaimed blues rock band Savoy Brown, led by its seminal guitarist Kim Simmonds, kicked off its 50th anniversary year celebration September 15 at B.B. King’s Blues Club in New York City. The event was followed by the release of Devil To Pay, a new album of original material on Ruf Records, and proof that the legendary British band continues to showcase Simmonds’ love of the blues, his deep commitment to the sound and his quest to challenge himself in both his songwriting and playing. The New York show was also the beginning of a worldwide concert tour to support the new release, with shows in the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Savoy Brown emerged during a golden age for blues bands that spawned the likes of Fleetwood Mac, The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and many more. In addition to its dynamic live appearances, Savoy Brown gained acclaim from its records, including Savoy gems like “A Hard Way to Go” (from 1970’s Raw Sienna) and “Tell Mama” (from 1971’s Street Corner Talking) as well as “Hellbound Train” (from the 1972 album of the same name).
Throughout Savoy Brown’s career, the band has featured a number of well respected musicians, among them Dave Peverett, Roger Earl and Tony Stevens, who went on to form Foghat, as well as players who have also been members of The Robert Cray Band, Black Sabbath, Humble Pie, Fleetwood Mac and others. Throughout, Simmonds has always remained true to his roots and reaped the rewards, performing in iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall and the Fillmore East and West, releasing countless albums, and later enjoying a well-deserved induction into Hollywood’s Rock Walk Of Fame, New York’s Blues Hall of Fame and Ontario’s Blues Hall of Fame.
However, he has hardly been resting on his laurels. He continues to tour and record, including the Savoy Brown CD releases: the critically acclaimed Voodoo Moon (2011). Goin’ To The Delta (2014) and the double live CD/DVD set Song From The Road (2013). The Devil To Pay is his 45th album release.
Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown On Tour:
- October 13—Fitzgerald’s, Chicago, IL
- October 14-Famous Dave’s, Minneapolis, MN
- October 16-Knucklehead’s, Kansas City, MO
- October 17-Wildey Theater, Edwardsville, IL (St. Louis)
- October 31–Sportsmen’s Tavern, Buffalo, NY
- November 6-Moondogs, Blanox, PA (Pittsburgh)
- November 7-Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI
Savoy Brown will tour Europe for two weeks beginning November 18 in Dortmund, Germany.
- December 12-Towne Crier, Beacon, NY
- December 19—Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA
- January 21-24, 2016 Rock Legends Cruise – (from Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
“Kim Simmonds /Savoy Brown are the epitome of what rock and roll was… and should always be. Deep-rooted, pure, artistic, manifesto, virtuoso, everlasting… these are the components that should land Kim Simmonds in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Savoy Brown is genuine rock and roll heritage.” – Examiner.com
Note: Photos courtesy Arnie Goodman taken at B.B. King’s NYC Sept 15, 2015
