March 18, 1997

Despite my familiarity with blues music, Savoy Brown was not one of those bands in my collection. I did hear of them from time to time, but that was about it. In fact, I was so naive, I wondered which one of the band members was Savoy. The day of the gig, to my embarrassment, I quickly learned that there is no Savoy. I felt like the nerd who, after hearing me reminisce with friends about a long ago show, asked me if Molly Hatchet was a hot blonde.

The group, headed by Kim Simmonds (a guy, by the way), plays a familiar style of blues and rock similar to Robin Trower, John Mayall, and Derek & the Dominoes. Their Dublin roots are evident in their European approach to rock and blues; the emphasis on melody was strong in everything they played. Even though I wasn't familiar with most of their material, I could still mentally jam along with them, not missing a beat.

As a three piece, Savoy Brown delivered a full sound, rocking out as well as bringing it down with some soul-warming blues. Some of their songs, though, did warrant something else, like another guitar or keyboard part. That would mean another stomach to feed and paycheck to issue. I wonder if this was a consideration when making the tour arrangements. The road can be a laborious adventure. After doing it for 20+ years, they probably just wanted to make do with as little as they could. Kim did mention that he had turned 50 recently, and he wasn't sure if we should praise him or have pity for his continued touring. I shouted out, "a little of both."

Nevertheless, Savoy Brown held their own and filled the room with great music all night long.

Eric Levy My main focus in life is my music. I have been writing and playing music for over a decade, and it has been my labour of love. My main instrument is 6-string guitar, lead and rythym. I listen and play everything from low-down, dirty blues (B. Guy, BB, Howlin' Wolf, J. Winter, SRV, etc.) to more aggressive and heavier stuff (Soundgarden, A.I.C.,Pantera, Sacred Reich, etc.) to many that are somewhere in the middle, (Black Crowes, Stones, STP, Allman bros.) Bottom line is that I love music more than life itself. Well, almost. Other Articles I've Written