Search - Savoy Brown :: Blues Keep Me Holding on

Tom A. (CTA4him) from ANDERSON, SC
Reviewed on 1/13/2015...

This comes close to some of Savoy' s older discs. Kim Simmons sounds like he's hungary again and even does some vocals. If you've ever been a fan you won't be disappointed with this disc.

Back to the roots!

Eric T. Dean | Hamden, CT United States | 10/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've always been a Savoy Brown fan, from the days of SHAKE THEM ON DOWN and BLUE MATTER to STREET CORNER TALKING. I think that Englishmen like Kim Simmonds, along with the likes of John Mayall and Eric Clapton, have had (oddly) a much better feel for and ability to interpret American blues than white Americans themselves (with a few exceptions such as Paul Butterfield). THE BLUES KEEP ME HOLDING ON carries on the SAVOY BROWN tradition of a pure feeling for, and ability to express and interpret American blues. On this album, I think the best tracks are those on which Kim sings (as well as plays guitar), esp. "That's All I Want Baby" and "Mississippi Steamboat"--which are inspired! Some of the best work this band has done. Kim (and pals) are in gear, and, as usual, headed in the right direction. If you're a SAVOY BROWN fan, you will like this album; if you're new to the band, check it out (or other CD's like GETTING TO THE POINT and STREET CORNER TALKING)."

Hold On, I'm Comin'!!!

chris meesey Food Czar | The Colony, TX United States | 09/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1999, The Blues Keep Me Holding On marks the beginning of the Savoy Brown renaissance, meaning that Kim would once again settle for no less than outstanding material, the best musicians, and excellent albums. Nathaniel Peterson's vocals and Tom Compton's tasteful drumming provide a fabulous blues backup to Kim's guitar virtuosity. He chases after "Little Red Rooster" with a cleaver, hacking it to pieces and then magically reassembling the reconstructed bird like a phoenix. (Much better than the acoustic band version on his 1986 effort, Slow Train.) Also, his National steel playing truly shines on "Going Down to Mobile" and he attacks the boogie of "Everybody Says They Want It" with renewed vigor. Petersen, SB's first black lead vocalist since Bryce Portius from the Shake Down days, brims with passion on "Bad Shape" and delivers the message with conviction during the political number "Headline News". Similarly inspired, Kim's own vocals are starting to gain confidence, as "When You've Got A Good Friend" and "Mississippi Steamboat" are sung with authentic fervor. Finally, numerous guest musicians contribute to the record's success, most notably SB (and Foghat) alumnus Roger Earle and Cajun guitar whiz Duke Roubillard on "That's All I Want Baby"; they play while Kim swaggers the vocals. In short, The Blues Keep Me Holding On heralds a renewed committment by Kim and Co to passion and excellence in music. If you love both blues and boogie, then get this album and hold on tight for the ride of your life."