With great delight, The Steepwater Band would like to welcome touring guitarist Eric Saylors to the family. Alongside original members Jeff Massey: Guitar/Vocals, Tod Bowers: Bass, and Joe Winters: Drums; Eric will join the band on stage as 2nd Guitar/Backing Vocals for all 2012 tour dates and beyond, adding to the already huge live sound the band has become identified with. Best known for his time with the Indianapolis-based rock group Healing Sixes, Eric has worked with such music luminaries as drummer Jason Bonham, and producer Kevin Shirley. He brings a great sense of tone and taste to the current TSB live repertoire,

With Eric onboard the tour full-time beginning March 1st, the final performance (indefinitely) by the just original, 3-piece line-up of the band will be FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24, at MARTYRS’ in their hometown of Chicago, IL. We hope you can join us to celebrate the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one.

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).  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.

Nowhere is that more apparent than in Walker’s Alligator Records debut, Hellfire. Produced by songwriter/drummer Tom Hambridge (producer of Buddy Guy’s two most recent Grammy-winning CDs, Skin Deep and Living Proof, as well as albums for Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood and others), Hellfire burns with rock energy and intense blues feeling. Walker, who wrote or co-wrote seven of the CD’s eleven tracks, says it’s the hardest rocking and most deeply soulful album of his career. His blistering blues guitar playing and gospel-tinged vocals effortlessly blend throughout the album. From the psychedelic overtones of the title track (a harrowing and personal tale of the struggle of good versus evil) to the slow, simmering and pleading “What’s It Worth” to the Stones-y rocker “Ride All Night”, Hellfire is the work of a man possessed. Walker’s original showstopper “Soldier For Jesus” (featuring vocal harmonies from The Jordanaires, who also appear on “Don’t Cry”) fits seamlessly alongside the other selections, making perfect thematic sense in the tradition of Al Green, Marvin Gaye or Prince, who all successfully combined carnal desires and gospel devotion.

Intrepid Artists Int’l

After being away for the last few years, Eric Sardinas and his band, Big Motor have rejoined the Intrepid Artists Family. Intrepid President, Rick Booth says, “I must say it is really great to have Eric back at Intrepid Artists! He was always a favorite of the agency and a personal favorite of mine. We look forward to touring him in support of his new release on Provogue Records, Sticks & Stones in the upcoming 2012 year. Eric’s music has always been innovative and unique. On stage Eric is a star and off stage, he is one of the most down to earth guys you will ever meet. Really glad to have him back at Intrepid!”

Yo’ Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band was presented with the “Producer’s Choice” Award and recognized for their extensive touring and their wild, energetic shows. Rick Booth was presented with the “Agent Of The Year” Award while Simplified took home some Big Hardware. Simplified was presented the “Music Connection Magazine” Award for their professionalism in the Industry and the Big prize… “BAND OF THE YEAR“!

Congrats to all the 2011 Big Winners!