Some months ago I made contact with Legendary guitarist Kim Simmonds via e-mail while I was tracking some Heep info (yes there's a Heep link to this band!). Kim agreed to answer my questions that I put together after hearing the new SAVOY BROWN disc - "The Blues Keep Me Holding On". The new disc is very heavily blues, and a solid collection of classic blues inspired tunes and writing, including a cover (amongst others) of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster". The title track stands out and should appeal to any SB or blues rock fan! The album is available through the 'Mystic' label in the US www.mysticmusic.com and Lightyear Records. For more info on Kim Simmonds and SAVOY BROWN check out their sight - www.savoybrown.com My thanks to Alex Gitlin and Dale Fredericks for contributing to the questions, and to Kim for answering them so prompt! :-)

Q: What really got you into music and guitar in the beginning, and in particular blues and rock? Any major influences or early records bought?
KS: I had an older brother, Harry, that brought me up on fifties rock, blues and R'n'B. When I was thirteen I was listening to everything from James Brown and Howling Wolf to The Beatles! I later decided that Chicago blues was what I wanted to concentrate on and play.

Q: What do you remember about "Boogie Brothers" - from the time of the recording album, and why do you think it didn't turn out so successful, considering the stellar lineup - problems with chemistry, etc.?
KS: This was a fun line-up and band. Unfortunately I was not creatively strong at this time and so my weakness hurt the project as I couldn't contribute as I would have liked. I was a blues player locked in with rock players and the chemistry was not right. I respected everyone and Stan Webb made me laugh a lot! I remember Paul Kossoff (Free) wanting to play on the record but I already had two other guitarists!

Q: Savoy Brown throughout the years went through a number of personnel changes. What is it that keeps you going with the band?
KS: Savoy Brown was my dream. Never let go of your dreams!

Q: What can you tell me about the following ex members of SB as far as any memories (that stand out) and their contributions to the band? >> Paul Raymond,
KS: Good guy, strong musician. Helped the band to commercial success with his song writing.

Q: Dave Walker,
KS: At the time, one of the best front men in the world. Fleetwood Mac stole him, thinking he would bring them an instant re-birth. It didn't. And they had to wait for Stevie Nicks.

Q: ...and the guys that went on to become Foghat.
KS: I'm hoping to produce Foghat's next record and play on some tracks too.

Q: Do you keep in touch with any of the SB alumni?
KS: A lot of them. Can't help but run into them...there's so many!

Q: What do you recall most of the years with Stan Webb and Miller Anderson in the line-up, and being a 3 guitar band? Do you keep in touch with either still?
KS: I saw Stan a couple of years ago in Germany. We had a great time together. I love him although he's a rascal. Miller plays with Spencer Davis in Europe. We haven't spoke for years but I'd like to re-connect.

Q: In your opinion, who do you think was the best lead vocalist SB has had? As far as exemplifying the type of music they play. Possibly Chris Youlden??
KS: Definitely Chris Youlden, then Lonesome Dave. The fans are saying that Nathaniel is the best since Chris.

Q: Where is SB based out of these days - USA!? Why, as opposed to UK? Where do you see the largest fanbase for the band?
KS: The band is based out of Up State NY. The USA is where the largest fan base is and it's the home of the blues!

Q: How long has the current line up of the band been together? What can you tell me about Nathaniel Peterson and Tom Compton? (History? How they came to join the band?)
KS: Nathaniel has been with me for over three years. Tom I met through gigging with Johnny Winter (Tom was his drummer). We felt we needed an English drummer for the "Savoy Brown" sound. Having said that, I'm now using an American for the road gigs; Joe Pierleoni. He played on the 'Let It Ride' record a few years ago. He's having to learn to play UK style i.e. behind the beat.

Q: The new album is mainly a blues album, and pretty 'classic blues' sounding. How would you say Savoy Brown evolved over the years from a blues-rock / blues band?
KS: The original concept was to be a loud Chicago blues band. We then developed via Bobby Bland into a more blues/R'n'B group and then a full tilt Boogie group a la Canned Heat then a commercial rock band influenced by Creedence Clearwater and then there were a few unfocused years and now back to start!

Q: Is SB is going to continue as a 3 man group, or if they you ever going to bring back a keyboard player?
KS: I've considered a keyboard player. The 3 piece allows me to crank out the guitar a la Johnny Winter but I would like to put a "big band" together sometime soon.

Q: What can you tell me about why you chose a number of blues songs to cover on this album such as the Dixon tunes, as well as "When you Got A Friend", and "Mississippi Steamboat" ??
KS: These were all songs that suited my voice. The fans like to see me sing and take center stage (occasionally) and singing broadens me musically so I've been trying harder in that department. I love Willie Dixon and his song was a song I listened to when I was a kid and so was Fenton Robinson's Mississippi Steamboat -- just getting back to my roots. The Robert Johnson song came from my acoustic "book."

Q: Any personal favorites on the new album?
KS: Little Red Rooster and Bad Shape.

Q: What is the songwriting process between yourself and Nathaniel? And how does it differ from the past eras?
KS: When we write together, Nathaniel writes the lyrics and I handle the music. Although he contributes to the musical too! Very talented. Chris Youlden always wanted to do everything himself.

Q: How was this album to record (difficult ? easy? quick )? Any stories?
KS: I had the most fun recording this record than any other. Tom kept making English tea and that kept me going. It was easy and quick. All one takes with very little over dubbing. All the guitar solos were one takes...and the vocals too.

Q: What sort of tour plans are there to promote this album? How much of it will feature in the live set? And, is the live set be more blues oriented as well?
KS: A combination of old and new. What I've been doing over the last few years. Some blues, some rock but no Polka!

Q: You performed on the Peter Green tribute album a few years back. Were you familiar with Peter from the late 60s in England, and was he an influences on your playing?
KS: He was a big influence on me and someone I knew. He has great respect for my playing too, I'm happy to say, and he once told me I had better technique than him!

Q: How would you describe your approach to playing guitar?
KS: A lot of overt emotion mixed with subtle technique. I try to tell my story on the instrument, to paint a picture of the loneliness I feel inside, hoping that it will connect with the feelings of others.

Q: What are some of your personal favorite Savoy Brown recordings? Anything underrated / overlooked?
KS: All the early records...Let It Ride has some wonderful moments. My solo/acoustic record I'm very happy with. The Relix "Live In Central Park" captures a great moment for the group.

Q: Where do you see yourself and Savoy Brown in the history of the British blues-rock scene?
KS: Eric Clapton should be considered #1, Peter Green #2 and I'll take third place!

Q: What do you wish to be remembered for?
KS: As one of the great 1960's British blues guitar players (not very modest!)

Q: Any future plans recording-wise for SB or yourself? Any projects for the Millennium?
KS: I'll have a follow-up solo/acoustic record and a new band record next year.

Q: What do listen to these days?
KS: Mostly the same blues and jazz I grew up with. I still listen to the new Buddy Guy, the new Otis Rush, Horace Silver, George Benson, Eric Clapton. Some pop stuff; Oasis, Seal, U2.

Q: What do you think of the blues / rock scene in the 90s?
KS: Doesn't compare for one moment with the'60's.

Q: Can you tell me a few of your favorite guitarists and singers in rock & blues? (Old scene or current).
SB: Earl Hooker, Matt Murphy, Billy Butler, Elvis, Derek Trucks, Robert Cray,

Q: Any stories from touring with Uriah Heep in the early 70s? [I gotta ask!:-)]
SB: Great rock band. Sorry, my memories are dim!

[That's OK, I've saved this one from an early e-mail I received from you Kim........]
I did tour with Uriah Heep in the seventies. Savoy Brown was the headliner. I remember our equipment didn't show up in San Diego and we were not allowed to use theirs (I don't remember why) so we had to perform acoustically!