Savoy Brown
A Step Further

A Step Further, as the album title itself suggests, marks the growth of Savoy Brown and expands the band's dimension, no longer just classic blues but incorporating new sounds into the band. Led by Simmonds and the splendid, warm voice of Chris Youlden, this album consecrates Savoy Brown. Right from the first track "Made Up My Mind," Chris's voice adds refinement and blends well with the boogie rhythm of the piece. "Waiting for the Bamboo Grove," an instrumental track, ventures into unexplored territories by adding a brass section to Kim Simmonds's guitar work, thus creating an interesting blend of sounds. It's time for "Life's One Act Play," a reflective piece with Chris's voice accompanied by a string section among other instruments, further enhancing the introspective nature of the track. "I'm Tired" picks up the more danceable and tight rhythms of the band, another great piece. "Where Am I" closes side A with congas and once again the leading voice of Chris highlighted.

Side B is composed of a medley recorded several months earlier during a live performance. In my opinion, the studio work is superior, and I would have liked side B to include other tracks like those on the first side. Nevertheless, it provides a testimony of what the band was like in their 1969 live shows, a year in which they also played at the Fillmore.