The Steepwater Band - Clava (2011)

The Steepwater Band’s latest studio release, Clava (pronounced Clay-va) finds the band hitting their most creative and focused point of their careers. The new record was recorded this past March on the South Side of Chicago at the studio of the same name. Also known as a trinity of stars, Clava is a fitting name for the new record produced by the trio along with Colin Sipos, a young, up-and-coming producer/engineer who has worked with the critically acclaimed Iron & Wine and Califone. Sipos also recorded TSB's The Stars Look Tonight/My Back Pocket (2010) single and mixed Live at the Double Door (2010). The ten new songs feature some of their most blues-infused, heavy and psychedelic tunes to date. Each song takes you on a musical journey, steeped in tradition, while not being overly nostalgic. On Clava the band honors their heroes and pays them the highest compliment continuing the Rock n Roll lineage while creating paths not yet explored. This release exemplifies the musical trinity that is The Steepwater Band.

Although The Steepwater Band got their start as devotees of delta blues, they have since been expanding on their musical influences taking on everything from psychedelia to Americana, and of course, hard-hitting rock and roll. Formed in Chicago in 1998, the band’s signature sound is at once a nod to earlier rock n’ blues combined with a raw and gusty musical approach. Band members Jeff Massey (guitar & vocals), Tod Bowers (bass) and Joe Winters (drums) have a synergy that comes from years of playing together. The rhythm section is taut and responsive; they flourish to create a perfect canvass. This sonic foundation laid by Bowers & Winters leaves the space for the guitars to soar and vocals to shine. Massey performs with a passion that can belie his virtuosity, while always being true the song at hand.

The band’s infectious energy is equally evident in their live performances, as critics and fans hail their shows as forceful and intoxicating. It is their humble devotion to music, and a commitment to achieving their musical goals without compromising the integrity of their musical vision that make The Steepwater Band such a refreshing find. In 2010, the band released highly lauded live record entitled “Live at the Double Door” which contained tracks from their previous two LPs, “Revelation Sunday (2006)” and “Grace and Melody (2008).”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