Quotes from the Press
"ONE OF THE BEST ROCK ALBUMS TO HIT IN 2011... Nothing’s too gussied up so the honest grit and sweat of rock ‘n’ roll comes through loud and clear, and behind everything a crossroads right blues soul howls. Clava continues the group’s evolution by simply refining every promising aspect this taut trio has exhibited in the past. If you’re charged up by what The Black Keys or Black Crowes are putting down lately, there’s little doubt Clava will flip your wig big time."
~ Jambase.com
"With their latest offering, Clava, the group has stepped out from under their influences' shadow to claim their own sound."
~ Chicagoist.com
"...The Steepwater Band excel at slow burns throughout this set, prowling ‘round your back door and howling in a low, sexy way, swinging with the angels dancin’ around their heads and leaving blood on the floorboards. Folks enamored of Mick Taylor-era Stones, early Hendrix and The Black Keys will eat up this up with impolite gusto. It’s a great pleasure to see a band fully realize their potential as they ride into their second decade together, and Clava presents these Chicago survivors at their earthy, appealing finest."
~ Dennis Cook | Dirty Impound
"Clava is The Steepwater Band at its best. It is more focused and more mature than any effort (album) before. "
~ Whatsthatdueplay.com
“With blaring rock n roll bravado (on Live at the Double Door), the trio fired a bullet directly into the heart...with ramble ready dynamic shifts, full-toned vocals and the makings of a band on the run.”
~ Martin Halo | The Waster.com
“Even though it just has four tunes, “The Stars Look Good Tonight” singles features odd & sods of various recording projects. The disc has their finest sounding work I’ve had the pleasure of hearing.”
~ Richard Milne | WXRT Radio, Chicago
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
Everything about GRACE AND MELODY has the feel of natural born rockers determined to get everyone's rocks off. Producer Marc Ford does clean, endlessly effective work here, bringing his years of experience with The Black Crowes and others, allowing individual elements to shine – a groin throbbing bass run, the blue water purr of electric slide. This is the abounding whomp of a band that's always been very good, teetering on the edge of greatness. And by album's end I'd be surprised if you weren't rooting for them to topple all the way into full blown glory.
~ Dennis Cook | Jambase.com
Classic influences but no nostalgia...these guys are fresher than most of what gets passed off as 'new' these days. I've always been able to hear the goodness at the heart of The Steepwater Band. All the nuance of the recording, performance and songwriting can be found on Grace and Melody. They're in their finest form yet.
~ Richard Milne | WXRT Radio, Chicago
Crackling with gritty energy and featuring strikingly direct lyrics, Grace And Melody demonstrates that Steepwater Band is a group with a considerable amount of depth and nuance…most notably the intriguing twin-guitar romp through the 13+ minute, "Waiting To Be Offended," which is vibrant yet clutter-free. Grace And Melody is certainly worth diving into.
~ Rob Turner | Hittin' The Note Magazine
Grace And Melody hints of previous Steepwater Band records, but continues the band's evolution. The songwriting is growing in directions that keep the band attached to the history of rock and roll while they actively expand it. Massey, along with bassist Tod Bowers and drummer Joe Winters, continue to impress as one of rock's shining lights.
~ John Heidt | Vintage Guitar Magazine
Grace And Melody continues the evolution; the record has an updated '70s vibe and the whole album works if you ever wondered what the Faces might sound like in the 21st Century.
~ Mike O'Cull | Illinois Entertainer
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
The Steepwater Band…whose album Grace & Melody sounds like the bastard love children of Weller, Ocean Colour Scene and The Bluetones. Everything on Grace & Melody sounds perfect, the instruments just scream (tastefully, naturally)…
~ Dave Saunders | The Dreaded Press
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