Struck by Lightning

Kim Simmonds' outlet for his electric blues-rock remains the on-again off-again Savoy Brown. Therefore he uses his solo albums, of which this is the third, to elaborate on the acoustic Delta blues generally ignored by his full-time outfit. Unlike Eric Clapton, who has consistently returned to this unplugged music throughout his career, Simmonds seems driven to explore his acoustic blues roots only since 1997. Simmonds uses this outlet to play predominantly self-penned material, with a few obscure covers thrown in. Accompanied by subtle piano, bass, and drums, the guitarist/vocalist commands center stage with his dusky yet emotional, talk-sung vocals, somewhat like J.J. Cale. Simmonds' guitar work is consistently classy, substituting the flash and boogie impulses of his extensive work as leader of Savoy Brown with a more thoughtful, measured playing that perfectly fits these terrific folk-blues tunes. While the lyrics and subject matter aren't particularly revelatory, songs such as "My Home Is a Highway," "Like an Angel" (the requisite love song to his wife), and the title track (also repeated in its rawer demo version) sound like authentic Delta blues tracks from decades ago, even though they are newly written originals. Along with covers of Peetie Wheatstraw, Arthur Crudup, and most interestingly NRBQ's Terry Adams, the album is another successful, surprisingly low-key, and consistently earnest effort that should please those blues fans who feel Simmonds' tougher approach with Savoy Brown compromised his music with excess volume. ~ Hal Horowitz