
The Steepwater Band’s latest album,
Live & Humble was recorded in Chicago on 4/20/13 at the now defunct Ace bar on West Fullerton Avenue, Jeff Massey (vocal, guitar), Tod Bowers (Bass), Joseph Winters (Drums) and Eric Saylors (guitar, Backing Vocal) played over 200 shows together on the High & Humble Tour leading up to the night of this amazing show, and is the first TSB recording to feature this newly adorned 4-piece line-up.
Critics and fans agree, Live & Humble captures TSB's kinetic energy, and their own brand of Rock'n'Roll improvisation. The record contains over 75 minutes of music, featuring tracks spanning from their previous studio Lps,
Revelation Sunday (2006),
Grace and Melody (2008), and
Clava (2011), along wth a 16 minute version of John Lee Hooker's "
Boom Boom" that rips into Zeppelin's "
How many more times" and back again, leaving the listener only wanting more.
It is their humble devotion to music, and a commitment to achieving their goals without compromising the integrity of their musical vision that makes The Steepwater Band a rare find.
TSB recruited a Chicago music legend
Timothy Powell, of
Metro Mobile Recording, to record the show that fateful Spring evening. Timothy's impressive resume includes all the 93XRT Concert Broadcasts, including such greats ad Gov't Mule, Los Lobos, Ben Harper, Wilco, The Civil Wars, Robert Plant, and The Black Crowes. Those recording then went to Producer/Engineer
Colin Sipos, who has been at the helm for TSB releases dating back to 2010. Colin's mix is nothing short of amazing, as it sounds as if you are standing directly front-row-center: Guitar panned hard in each speaker, the Drums & Bass rattle you from the center, the vocals glide on top, while the crowd gathers around you.
Formed in Chicago back in 1998, The Steepwater Band's signature sound is a nod to early British Blues, combined with a modern, raw and gutsy musical approach. Founding members Massey, Bowers and Winters have a synergy that comes from years of playing together. Then in early 2012, the long-time trio was joined by Saylors, from Indianapolis, IN, who brought and added depth to the TSB Live sound.
Although the band got their start as devotees of delta blues, they have since been expanding on their influences, absorbing everything from Psychedelia to Americana, from Jazz to 50's Rock'n'Roll Music.
The Steepwater Band has maintained a grueling schedule throughout the last 10 years
, averaging about 125 shows per year. They have toured and shared the stage with acts such as
Gov't Mule, Buddy Guy, Wilco, Taj Mahal, Marc Ford, ZZ Top, T-Model Ford, North Mississippi All Stars, Leon Russell, Drive-By Truckers, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Cheap Trick, Bad Company and Heart. In 2005, the band made its European debut, performing at the
Azkena Rock Festival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. In the following years, the band has returned to the United Kingdom and Europe for multiple club and festival tours, increasing their loyal overseas fan-base.
“In a time when old-fashioned rock and roll is coming back in style, The Steepwater Band is a cut above the rest of the field.” – Pop Culutre Press
Press
Every record is better than the former, and they always maintain an evolution within the American roots rock. For the moment we can only wonder when they will reach the top of their abilities. Marah and Drive-By Truckers have been dethroned. Everybody stand up to salute their new majesties: THE STEEPWATER BAND.
Santino | Solo-Rock.com
Jeff Massey’s dirty sounding, masterful slide work reminded me of Exile On Main Street era Stones. The band's sound is firmly entrenched in the roots of the blues; however they also up the ante by throwing tinges of psychedelia and country into the mix and the sound is absolutely massive and in your face at all times.
Ryan Sparks | Classic Rock Revisited
If Janis Joplin and Ronnie Van Zant were booking a band to play on a serene summer night and the Allman Brothers were unavailable, it would without question be The Steepwater Band.
Mack Rawden | Cinema Blend Music
Not only do these longhairs know their Johnny Winter and their Johnnie Walker, they sure as shootin' dish it out in a nuclear hoedown of dirty fuzztone lead and slide guitar riffs.
Creem Magazine
In a time when old-fashioned rock and roll is coming back in style, The Steepwater Band is a cut above the rest of the field.
Pop Culture Press
This band has traveled a long and winding musical road. From the Delta to the electrified blues of Chicago, across the Atlantic to the blues-inspired rock of the Stones, Zeppelin and Free before making their way back through the Texas roadhouses.
Bluesbunny.com, United Kingdom