Eddy 'the Chief' Clearwater Soul Funky

Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, Chicago blues guitar legend, releases his first live album…in nearly a quarter century! Blistering set captures Eddy live and in top form with special guests Ronnie Baker Brooks, Billy Branch and Johnny Iguana. Recorded on January 10th, 2014 at SPACE in Evanston IL. Autographed CD includes an Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater guitar pick.

The Chief Eddy Clearwater's West Side Strut is his first release for the Alligator label, and while nothing here is a surprise, Clearwater's Chicago blues/Chuck Berry hybrid remains evident as he works his way through a mix of rock & roll, country, soul, and gospel. Along with Clearwater is a stellar group of fellow Windy City musicians led by second guitarist (and producer) Ronnie Baker Brooks and his band, a horn section, and appearances by Billy Branch on harp, guitarist Lonnie Brooks, and backup vocals by Otis Clay and Jimmy Johnson. Spirited cover versions of Muddy Waters' "Walking Through the Park" and Lowell Fulson's "Trouble, Trouble" are highlights, as are the gutbucket blues "A Good Leavin' Alone," "Blue Over You," and the autobiographical "They Call Me the Chief." West Side Strut is another solid effort for the Chief and Alligator, as well.