MIDWEST BLUES BEAT

by Eric Steiner



    This month, I'd like to focus on two great local blues bands: The
Steepwater Band and Bottles of Wine.  More importantly, I want to thank them
publicly for their evolving contribution to the blues in Chicagoland.  While
they sound as experienced as B.B.'s sidemen and could share the stage
competently with Lonnie Brooks at Bugsy's in Highland, they've got their own
unique sound and follow many blues traditions laid down by great Chicago
bluesmen (and blueswomen).  The Steepwater Band and Bottles of Wine represent
the past, present and future of the blues. 

   That's not a contradiction in my book.  Far from it.  Let me tell you why.

   Just two short years ago, there wasn't a Steepwater Band.  In 1998, this
talented trio cut their teeth jamming in Chicago area warehouses and launched
a career in clubs ranging from Chicago to St. Louis and back.  They've opened
for Alligator artists The Kinsey Report and Capricorn artist Tinsley Ellis,
two of the finest blues acts around today.  I wish a label like Alligator,
Capricorn, Blind Pig or Ruf would take notice of both of these stellar bands.
 These guys are that good, right now. 

   The Steepwater Band consists of Jeff Massey on lead guitar and vocals, Tod
Bowers on bass and Joey Winters on drums.  Just one listen to their five-song
CD Goin' Back Home shows that they are a tight outfit, and this rhythm
section has been playing together for nine years.  Longer than my first
marriage by quite a bit, but I'm not goin' there with you.  Michael Connelly
often sits in on harmonica when not playing in another blues band steeped in
blues tradition, Bottles of Wine.  I've heard that Steepwater Band gigs can
run three and four hours of high quality original blues and cover tunes, a
far cry from bands who'll take the stage to play just a CD's worth of
unfamiliar music. 

   The Steepwater Band's first CD features five strong cuts, including an
electrifying version of one of my favorite blues song of all time, "Dust My
Broom."   Well, there's a lot to like on Goin' Back Home, but please don't
take my word for it.  Fire up your computer and check out full-length
versions of  "House is Burnin'" or "Goin' Back Home" free via Windows Media
Player on http://www.steepwater.com.  That's definitely a link to the future
of the blues, rooted in blues traditions of Johnny Winter, Elmore James and
Willie Dixon.  That's what I mean about the Steepwater boys being part of the
past, present and future of the blues.

   Guitarist Gene Kilty and vocalist Michael Connolly make up the blues duo,
Bottles of Wine.  On their debut self-titled disc, the Steepwater trio sit in
to power the band through seven songs original cuts that just won't quit. 
The set starts with the uptempo bluesy rocker, "Blind Side," fueled by Gene's
in-your-face blues leads that wrap themselves around Tod and Joey's rhythm
foundation.  Guest "Piano Man" Dan Gillogly contributes a fine Hammond B-3
bed for "More Than A Good Thing," and I could swear I could hear Duane
Allman's ghost when Jeff launched into some great solos behind Michael's
gritty vocals.  I'm talking early, early Duane here, like his fine
contribution to Boz Scaggs' version of Fenton Robinson's "Loan Me A Dime" or
the Allmans' seminal "Whipping Post."  By the time Michael blows a mean
boogie to open "Soulfood," I knew I'd found a band that knows nearly every
nuance of the blues, from powerful, straight ahead boogie to a pair of
guitarists who know exactly when to hand off the next lead.  The opening
leads of "Dirty Ol' Blues" more than hints at Howlin' Wolf's "Spoonful" in
its own way, and provides a link to the blues of the past.
   Share both Goin' Back Home from the Steepwater Band and the self-titled
Bottles of Wine debut with your friends.  Better yet, check 'em out live
before the big boys sit up and take notice. They're bound to be playing at a
club near you...

SPRINGTIME IN CHICAGOLAND...

    Usually this time of year brings thoughts of day baseball at Wrigley
Field and exciting American League action at Comiskey Park. 

    I remember Steve Goodman singing about the boys of summer from da Nort'
side being "the doormats of the National League," but like any Chicago
baseball fan, I'm an eternal optimist.  I've been a Sox fan since the days of
Carlos May and Luis Aparicio, but just once I'd like to see the Cubs as
contenders.  Just like I'd like to see a Seattle Mariners' team make the
playoffs without No. 24 in center field, Ken Griffey, Jr. 

    Don't get me wrong, I enjoy cheering for the underdog.  Perhaps that's
why I grew up a Sox fan with Wilbur Wood on the mound and Bill Melton in the
batter's box.  When I think of the trade that sent Griffey home to the
Cincinnati Reds, I really get the blues.  When I get the blues, there's no
substitute for a great blues show and there's blues aplenty in April.

HOT TICKETS IN APRIL...

   Studebaker John & The Hawks play Harlem Avenue in Berwyn on April 8th, and
the Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings play Buddy Guy's Legends on the 14th.   A
day that gives me the tax day blues, April 15th plays host to Lil' Ed & The
Blues Imperials at Beale Street Blues in Palatine, well worth the drive. 
B.B. King headlines the Star Plaza on the 21st and 22nd and is bringing along
Bobby "Blue" Bland and The Manhattans to boot!  B.B.'s sure to play several
great cuts from his Grammy award winning disc Blues On The Bayou.  While
you're at it, don't forget to check out the Voodoo Daddy hisself, Lonnie
Brooks at Bugsy's on April 20th and the always phenomenal Tinsley Ellis at
Buddy Guy's Legends on the 28th.

    NEXT MONTH... I'll talk about the W.C. Handy Awards and update you on
blues promotions from the Blues Music Association, in addition to giving you
some blues you can use as you look toward a busy summer touring schedule
featuring some of the world's best blues talent.   Until next month, let's
play the blues!