Savoy Brown is true blues

4/22/2005

Savoy Brown isn't as old as the blues; it just seems that way.

The band, which essentially is founder Kim Simmonds and a rotating lineup that has included 28 members who have come and gone, has been around for 39 years. Toledo has been a regular stop on the blues band's touring circuit for much of that time.

The band was formed in 1966 in the midst of the British electric blues craze, quickly becoming peers with groups such as the Yardbirds, Cream, and the first version of Fleetwood Mac.

They backed blues great John Lee Hooker on his U.K. tour in 1967 and released the million selling "Street Corner Talking" in 1971.

Although Simmonds has replaced band members routinely, he has never lost track of the hard boogie, rock style that is firmly anchored in the blues. Through the band's ups and downs, that sound has been a constant, including on its most recent studio release on the Blind Pig label, "Strange Dreams."

Savoy Brown plays tonight at Headliners, 4500 North Detroit Ave. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $19 at the door. Information: 419-693-5300.