Customer Reviews

Slow Train

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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I first heard this in the mid-eighties, and was instantly impressed with Kim Simmonds guitar playing on this CD. It is a departure from the electric sound and high energy halycon days of "Make Me Sweat", but their is no denying the mastery of a true blues virtuoso. If you like great guitar playing steeped in the blues then this CD is for you. It has a Robert Johnson feel about it, with Kim Simmonds exposing himself to a bare bones acoustic set. The first half of the CD is done in the studio with Kim virtualy alone with his guitar. The second half is a live set keeping the acoustic feel while adding a backup cast. The selection of material is excellent! The opening title track is a instrumental showcase of Kim's playing the acoustic guitar. Kim shares the vocals with a higher percentage going to Kim. I found that Kim's singing complemented his playing more than the other vocalist. Check out "Meet me at the bottom" and "Come back baby". The bottom line on this work is blues. If you enjoy the blues side of this leader of Savoy Brown then this CD is a must for your collection.

One of Kim's better accoustic recordings. Love the guitar & harmonica mix. The vocals seem to fit right in not being to loud or soft

KIM SIMMONS CAN ROCK HARD WHEN IT COMES TO PLAYING,WRITTING AND PREFORMING HIS OWN BLUES SONGS&OTHERS,AND WHEN IT COMES TO TO HIS ACOUSTIC BLUES THIS GUY DOSN'T SCREW AROUND.HE JUST SITS DOWN ON AND PLAYS HIS ACOUSTIC GUITAR LIKE NOBODY ELSE'S BUSINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a contrast! In 1981, Savoy Brown released "Rock 'N Roll Warriors," a high-energy, headbangers delight worthy of Whitesnake. Just five years later in 1986, Kim Simmonds rediscovers his blues roots with "Slow Train." It's a bare-bones acoustic set, five cuts featuring Kim solo with guitar and five cuts with Kim's acoustic backed by full band live. The feel is Appalachian, rather than Chicago blues. (Think Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee rather than Muddy Waters.) Kim's vocals are wonderful, very reminiscent of Blind Willie McTell. "Meet Me at the Bottom" and the title track are standouts of the solo numbers, while Robert Johnsons "Ramblin on My Mind" and "I'm Ready" are the best of the full band numbers. It goes without saying that Kim's guitar work is some of the best you will ever hear. He was to revisit at least one number, "Little Red Rooster," years later on the 1999 release "The Blues Keep Me Holdin' On." His remake on that release is much more successful than the one offered here, featuring an absolutely delicious solo worthy of Eric Clapton. This version is good, but pales by comparison. Still, this is an excellent offering, and if you love acoustic blues, one you should not miss.