Kim Simmonds

Hemlock - Hemlock
EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC: 233 MB | Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Walhalla Records # WH 90346 | Country/Year: UK 2004, 1973
Genre: Rock | Style: Blues Rock, Classic Rock

Miller Anderson has been on the cutting-edge of rock for more than three decades. Although he's only released two solo albums – Dream City in 1971 and Celtic Moon in 1988 – the Scotland-born guitarist and vocalist has been involved with many influential musicians. Since cutting his musical teeth in bands with Ian Hunter (pre-Mott the Hoople) and Bill Bruford (pre-King Crimson and Yes), Anderson has been a member of such bands as the Keef Hartley Band, Savoy Brown, T. Rex, Mountain, the Spencer Davis Group, and in groups led by Deep Purple's Jon Lord and folk-rock balladeer Donovan…

Livin Blues are without doubt the greatest Blues Band to come out of Holland, and to be honest, they deserved greater acclaim. This debut Studio Album (Although a latter release of early Sessions pre-dated this CD) featured Cesar Zuiderduik (Probably spelt the surname wrong) before he joined Hollands undisputed Kings of Rock i.e. Golden Earring. The music will appeal to those who found interest in the late 60s British Blues Boom (i.e. Fleetwood Mac,Savoy Brown,Groundhogs,Climax Blues Band etc)…

This high-water mark by the band finds them softening their rougher edges and stretching out into jazz territory, yet still retaining a blues foundation. There's not a bad cut here, with enough variety (bottleneck slide, acoustic guitar, horns, and strings) to warrant frequent late-night listenings. "A Hard Way to Go," "Needle and Spoon," and "Stay While the Night Is Young" are especially strong, as are two instrumental numbers. Unfortunately, leader Kim Simmonds lost his greatest asset when vocalist Chris Youlden quit for an ill-fated solo career after this recording. Youlden had one of the most distinctive voices in British blues, and Savoy would never fully recover from his exit.

Hellbound Train is the eighth album by the band Savoy Brown. It was released by Parrot in 1972. "Shot in the Head," the slide guitar showcase that opens this solid set, became a staple of this veteran English band's live act. In his only full-time stint as singer for demanding bandleader Kim Simmonds, Dave Walker proves a serviceable. Besides their own tunes, the lads cover Howlin' Wolf and Little Walter.

Livin Blues are without doubt the greatest Blues Band to come out of Holland, and to be honest, they deserved greater acclaim…

Sometimes, a change of pace does creativity good. Allowing a chance to recharge and refresh can give you a whole new perspective. Recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of multi-platinum jugaruant Rock band Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora is not immune to needing such alternate directions in life…