Voodoo Moon

iTunes Review

Forty-five years after riding the British blues-rock wave to success, Savoy Brown’s Kim Simmonds reaffirms his musical prowess on Voodoo Moon. He sounds on top of his game here, writing or cowriting all of the songs and playing with both renewed ferocity and tasteful control. Savoy Brown has remained a no-nonsense blues outfit, even when making forays into R&B and hard rock. Voodoo Moon is no exception; its riffs and rhythms are primal, steeped in Delta mojo and Chicago swagger. Blistering tracks like “Shockwaves” and “Meet the Blues Head On” are built around Simmons’ probing lead lines, while “She’s Got the Heat” showcases his scorching slide work. Joe Whiting (who also plays sax) acquits himself well in the lead vocalist’s slot, turning on his soulful charm on “Natural Man” and catching a moody bayou vibe on the title track. Simmons takes the vocal mic for a pair of thoughtful slower tunes, “Look at the Sun” and “Round and Round.” Track for track, Voodoo Moon is potent stuff.