The Steepwater Band

The Steepwater Band

The Steepwater Band is a Chicago group active since 1998. Its core lineup consists of guitarist and vocalist Jeff Massey, bassist Tod Bowers, and drummer Joseph Winters; the group is also listed with Eric Saylos.

Style and formation

The band develops a blend of blues rock and rock and roll, with a sound shaped by hard rock, Delta blues, boogie and psychedelia. Massey, Bowers and Winters play together from their teenage years in different rock and blues groups before forming The Steepwater Band in 1998. The name comes from a barge Massey sees on Lake Michigan.

Live activity and releases

From the start, the band builds its reputation as a regular live act, performing frequently in Chicago and elsewhere in the Midwest. Its shows become a major part of its profile, and the group plays well-known Chicago venues including the Metro and the Double Door. Its CD Clava receives substantial airplay across the Midwest.

Repertoire and development

The band begins by playing versions of songs by Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and John Lee Hooker, then moves on to writing its own material. One of its records, Revelation Sunday, includes roots-rock songs such as “Collision” and “Steel Sky”, the Indian-flavoured “Dance Me A Number”, and the more pop-oriented “Halo” and “A Lot Of Love Around”.

Touring and appearances

The Steepwater Band makes its European debut in 2005 at the Azkena Rock Festival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. It also shares bills with Buddy Guy, Wilco, Cheap Trick, Umphrey’s McGee and Deep Purple.