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Artist
West Side Heat
3+ albums
bluesblues rock
about
WEST SIDE HEAT PLAYS OWN STYLE OF MUSIC - June Sawyers - CHICAGO TRIBUNE Steve Arvey has apprenticed with some of the best bluesmen in the country, from Robert Hunter and Bo Diddley while attending school in Florida to playing backup for various blues artists on tour. But his real education occurred on the street, working the crowds at the Westside Chicago Fish Market from noon until dusk for $25, and singing in packed gospel storefront churches, where the preacher would orate and the congregation would stomp their feet and sway back and forth. In late 1982, Arvey and three blues aficionados formed West Side Heat. The group emulated the raw blues of Homesick James, Jimmy Rogers, Hubert Sumlin, Howlin` Wolf and other legendary West Side bluesmen before developing its own sound-a mixture of original material, traditional blues, R&B rhythms and rock `n` roll. Through constant touring and self-promotion, the band has amassed a solid mailing list and a good following across the country. Recording on its own independent label, Bittersweet, has allowed the group to grow at its own pace, too. ''It takes a lot of hustling and a lot of work, but you can do it,'' says Arvey. Proud of its underground cult status, West Side Heat is ready to follow the music where it takes the group. ''There`s nothing better than when you`re on stage and 300 people are dancing. The music just takes over. You`re doing things you didn`t know you were able to do,'' says Arvey. Who: West Side Heat. Band
