Eddie C. Campbell's Got The "Spider Eating Preacher" Blues

Here's a new March 2012 interview with legendary Chicago bluesman Eddie C. Campbell. Eddie's back with his new Delmark Records release, "Spider Eating Preacher," the follow-up to his acclaimed 2009 release, "Tear This World Up." The new disc, a reverb-soaked slice of classic West Side Chicago Blues bumpin', and its interest-piquing title, has a story behind it - which Eddie tells us about. In this nearly 20-minute chat, Eddie talks about the new disc, some of the musicians that play on it, and his thoughts about collecting material for a new record - and the right time for him to go back into the studio. I ask Eddie about his personal history, moving to Chicago from Mississippi at a young age, and how his sister was one of his biggest musical catalysts. He talks about his own musical memories of Chicago, and his exposure to the blues - namely seeing Muddy Waters playing on a streetcorner. Eddie's musical past encompasses gigs with Jimmy Reed (with whom he payed with for several years), Willie Dixon, and even Howlin' Wolf - Eddie tells a story here about how Wolf gave Eddie a bit of a scolding on stage in front of a packed club. Other topics include Eddie's time living and playing in Europe, his 1977 debut album, "King Of The Jungle" (and why Earl Hooker didn't want Eddie to record it), as well as Eddie's guitar influences and style. Thanks so much to Eddie for the interview - he's one of the last real-deal Chicago bluesmen, with a relaxed, good-guy charm and lots of great stories. Visit the Delmark Records site for more on Eddie's history and the new "Spider Eating Preacher" disc at www.delmark.com.

Listen To The March 2012 Interview With Eddie C. Campbell: