There are still two gunslingers from the 70s around, with one stepping down, and the other starting back up, but both returning to the music of their affinity.
Peter Frampton at one time had the all time biggest selling record back in 1976 with his Frampton Comes Alive, which ultimately became his albatross to bear. This most recent album, signifying his last time on the road, is a welcome return to his first true love, the blues, and he sounds in inspired form with his band of Rob Arthur/key, Adam Lester/g, Dan Wojciecheowski/dr and either Glenn Worf or David Labruyere on bass along with some like-minded guests.
Frampton’s guitar work here is as wonderfully emotive, sounding like he’s enjoying a slice of Humble Pie, and his voice has aged to a rich snarl and growl. With Kim Wilson on harp, the team goes to the South Side of Chicago for a gritty “I Just Want To Make Love To You” while the core team keeps in the Chess mood on a fun “I’m A King Bee” and a wailing “Going Down Slow” sitting in on a slithering axe. Sonny Landreth slides like Ricky Henderson on a funky read of “The Thrill Is Gone” and with the crystalline strings of Larry Carlton, Frampton comes back alive on a rippling read of Miles Davis’ “All Blues.” A gorgeous instrumental read of “Georgia On My Mind” with Arthur’s piano is relaxed and casual, making you think that Frampton is closing out his touring exactly where he wants. Wonderful adieu.
Savoy Brown founder Kim Simmonds has been around since the days Frampton was with Humble Pie, and while he never had a gazillion seller, he’s remained faithful in his various incarnations. Here, he’s teamed with bassist Pt DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm for a dozen rollicking originals. Simmond’s guitar is thick with dirt under the nails, able to boogie with the best on “Ain’t Gonna Worry” and the shuffling “City Night.” Simmonds’ voice is strong and sandied, snarling on the hard rocker “Red Light Mama” and searing through the blues ballad “Selfish World.” The album is heavy on the riffs, giving a Bo Diddley chunk to “Hang In Tough” and boogalooing to “Payback Time,” while the team gets ominous on a smoky “Superstitious Woman.” Straight with no filter.