Savoy Brown
Blue Matter/ A Step Furthe

Formed in 1966 in Wales under the name Savoy Brown Blues Band. The first line-up of the band included: guitarist Kim Simmonds, vocalist Bryce Porteous, keyboardist Bob Hall, bassist Roy Chappell; John O'Leary (harmonica) and drummer Leo Mannings. The band debuted during studio sessions at the Purdah label, owned by producer Mike Vernock. Soon O'Leary was replaced by guitarist Martin Stone and the sextet contacted Decca. The band's first album, called "Shake Down", included various compositions by such blues masters as Freddie King, Albert King and Willie Dixon. However, Simmonds, dissatisfied with the result of the work, disbanded the Savoy Brown Blues Band to recruit another line-up, leaving only Bob Hall. The new members of the group were: vocalist Chris Youlden, guitarist and vocalist Dave Pivert, bassist Rivers Jobe and drummer Roger Earl. The group recorded the composition "Getting To The Point", after which Tone Stevens appeared in place of Jobe. With this line-up, the group became an integral part of the British blues boom of that period. Their own compositions harmonized well with various blues standards, which Savoy Brown gave a new sound. The playing of Simmonds and Pivert added excitement to the "live" performances, and the appearance of Youlden as the frontman, in a top hat and with a monocle, made the stage image of the group unusually original. The composition "Train To Nowhere" from the album "Blue Matters" (1969) received the greatest fame. After the release of the album "Raw Sienna" (1970), Youlden left the group. That same year, internal misunderstandings led to the departure of Pivert, Stevens and Earl, who formed the group Foghat. Meanwhile, Simmonds went on an American tour with a new line-up: Dave Walker (vocals), Paul Raymond (keyboards), Andy Pyle (bass) and Dave Bidwell (drums), thereby avoiding the demise of Savoy Brown. Later, the leader settled in America and participated in many tours, engaging different musicians each time. For example, in the second half of the 70s, the group's line-up looked like this: Simmonds; Raymond, Stan Webb (guitar), Jimmy Leaverton (bass) and Eric Dillon (drums), and in the late eighties like this: Simmonds, Walker, Jim Denesi (bass), Al Maycomber (drums). The end of the 90s was marked by a return to blues roots.

As soon as Blue Matter hit the shelves in May 1969, the band went into the studio to record their follow-up. Both albums were recorded in the same style: one side is studio, the other is live. I recommend.

The last two albums on which Savoy Brown's best vocalist, Chris Youlden, was the lead singer. The best example of Youlden's power was "A Step Further", which included great songwriting skills and his ability to get an audience on it's feet and rocking out.

Brilliant SAVOY BROWN - The sound recording quality is superb, there is probably no closer way we can get to another band than listening to this music, just next to our own breath. Highly recommended