Savoy Brown has a reputation for their unique blend of blues and rock music, and one of their albums that exemplifies this is "Witchy Feelin'." Released in 2017, the album captures the essence of the band's style while also exploring deeper themes and concepts. From the opening track "Why Did You Hoodoo Me" to the closing song "Guitar Slinger," "Witchy Feelin'" takes listeners on a journey through dark and mysterious musical landscapes. The haunting guitar riffs and soulful vocals create an atmospheric and mesmerizing experience that transports the listener to a different time and place. The band delves into themes of love, loss, and the supernatural throughout the album. Songs like "Living on the Bayou" and "Standing in a Doorway" transport the listener to a world of mysticism and intrigue, where the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred.
Songs like "Living on the Bayou" and "Standing in a Doorway" transport the listener to a world of mysticism and intrigue, where the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred. The bluesy undertones of the album are evident in tracks like "Vintage Man" and "Neighborhood Blues," which showcase the band's mastery of the genre. The raw energy and emotion are palpable, making it impossible not to be captivated by the band's musical prowess.
Savoy Brown Gives Us a ‘Witchy Feelin’
“Blues is not for the faint-hearted. Since the genre first drew breath, its greatest practitioners have embraced the darkness, spinning tales of hardship and death, hellhounds and devilry.” So it is with the latest offering from veteran British blues band, Savoy Brown. Their Witchy Feelin’ gets released today via Ruf Records.
In 52 years, and with nearly as many lineup changes, Savoy Brown has had two constants. A blues influence, and Kim Simmonds. Simmonds, the multi-instrumentalist and current lead singer, founded the band in 1965. Being one of the first racially integrated groups in the UK gave them a hook. Their Chicago blues style repertoire gave them staying power. These kings of boogie have released 30+ albums, and have played the most renowned venues on the planet.
Witchy Feelin’ follows other macabre themed titles on Ruf, including Voodoo Moon, and The Devil to Pay. The opening track, “Why Did You Hoodoo Me,” kicks off with a brittle guitar riff, setting the tone for a love song that’s been rolled in the grit. Reminiscent of J.J. Cale, Simmonds baritone is strong and smooth, combining with his crystalline lead breaks to provide a glossy finish over an otherwise dirty blues song. We absolutely loved the theme of love’s power presented with such gravel.
Another filthy sounding song comes with “I Can’t Stop the Blues.” Much like the opening track, the lead licks are crisp and precise, giving the rhythm an even dirtier feel. Garnet Grimm keeps a constant heartbeat throughout, and the bass of Pat DeSalvo gave us the feeling that the bottom may drop out at any moment. It’s one of those songs that made us wish our volume settings had an additional notch or two. We couldn’t turn it up loud enough!
“Livin’ On the Bayou” slows things down just a bit, with the swampy feel one would expect from the title. The lyrics are original and tell the story of several Louisiana characters. Things decelerate sharply on the title track. This slow burner is still brimming with Simmonds’ brilliant lead fills. It’s a bit eerie, but that’s the point.
Another dark tune hit us when “Thunder, Lightning & Rain” came roaring through our speakers. A psychedelic, wah-wah driven, tremolo overload in the best possible way, it put us right in the eye of the storm. This one has our vote for favorite track.
Photo: Jim Summaria
Not all the songs on Witchy Feelin’ are unearthly, but all have classic blues themes that are instantly recognizable. “Vintage Man” tells the boogie-woogie tale of a never-changing man. You know the one. The guy that still takes his ’57 Chevy to the drive-in, and wouldn’t trade his beat up, classic guitar for a brand new anything. “Guitar Slinger,” we find, is a semi-autobiographical account of Simmonds first seeing Roy Buchanan back in 1969. The Welshman slings some impressive guitar of his own on this rocking track. Some stunning slide greeted us on “Standing in a Doorway,” and “Can’t Find Paradise” has a classic 60s blues-rock vibe.
The album closes on a soulful note with “Close to Midnight.” A jazzy instrumental with hints of George Benson influenced guitar, it had us feeling like no matter how much hoodoo, thunder, or whiskey we’re dealt, it’s all gonna be alright.
With over five decades in the game, there’s a reason Savoy Brown has stood the test of time. Witchy Feelin’ is it.
Artist: Savoy Brown
Title: Witchy Feelin’
Label: Ruf Records
Release Date: August 25th, 2017
Overall, "Witchy Feelin'" is a testament to Savoy Brown's ability to create music that is both timeless and captivating. The album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates blues and rock music, as well as those who enjoy a touch of the supernatural and mysterious in their musical experience..
Reviews for "Unveiling the dark and mysterious world of Savoy Brown's 'Witchy Feelin' album"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Savoy Brown Witchy Feeling". The whole album just didn't live up to my expectations. The songs lacked depth and complexity, and it felt like they were just going through the motions. I was hoping for something more exciting and memorable, but everything felt underwhelming. Overall, it was a forgettable listening experience for me.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I'm sorry to say that I really didn't enjoy "Savoy Brown Witchy Feeling" at all. The music felt boring and repetitive, with no standout tracks that grabbed my attention. I found myself losing interest halfway through the album and struggled to finish it. The production also felt lacking, making the whole experience feel flat. I expected more from Savoy Brown, but this album just didn't do it for me.
3. Mike - 2 stars
"Savoy Brown Witchy Feeling" was a letdown for me. The songs lacked originality and failed to stand out from one another. It felt like I was listening to the same tune on repeat. The lyrics were unremarkable and failed to move me in any way. Overall, the album felt like a missed opportunity for Savoy Brown to bring something fresh to the table. I hope their next release will be more memorable.