Steep Climb

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Steep Climb" by Eric Gales from his 2014 album Good for Sumthin', a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing with its gritty blues-rock energy. This song, featuring the legendary Zakk Wylde, is a standout for its raw intensity and lyrical depth, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of chasing dreams. In a 2014 interview with Blues Blast Magazine, Gales shared that having Wylde on the track was a first for him, as he’d never had guest artists on his previous 13 albums. He described the collaboration as “unbelievable,” highlighting the electric chemistry between their guitar styles. The song’s lyrics, like “To make it to the top of the mountain, it’s gonna be a steep climb,” resonate as a metaphor for Gales’ own perseverance, a theme he emphasized in the interview, noting he poured everything into this album to push his career to new heights.

Another tidbit about "Steep Climb" comes from its production by Raphael Saadiq, known for his work with John Legend and The Roots. According to a review on Blues Rock Review, the track showcases Gales holding his own alongside Wylde’s renegade style, blending hard rock with soulful blues. Fans on X have echoed this, with posts praising the song’s blistering solos and emotional weight, often calling it a highlight of Gales’ live shows. A fan on the Eric Gales Fan Club Facebook group shared a story from a 2014 Memphis album release party, describing how Gales’ performance of "Steep Climb" left the crowd in awe, with his upside-down guitar playing channeling Jimi Hendrix’s spirit. The track’s vinyl release, available in a limited-edition gold pressing, also became a collector’s item, as noted on Bandcamp.

Eric Gales, born October 29, 1974, in Memphis, Tennessee, kicked off his musical journey at the tender age of four. Growing up in a musical family, he learned to play guitar from his older brothers, Eugene and Manuel (aka Little Jimmy King), who taught him their unique upside-down, left-handed style—a tradition passed down from their grandfather, Dempsey Garrett Sr., who jammed with blues icons like Muddy Waters. By 11, Gales was winning local blues contests, and at 15, he signed with Elektra Records. His 1991 debut, The Eric Gales Band, earned him the title of “Best New Talent” in Guitar World’s Reader’s Poll, with hits like “Sign of the Storm” climbing rock charts. His early career saw him sharing stages with legends like Carlos Santana at Woodstock ’94, cementing his reputation as a child prodigy. Gales’ unorthodox playing, using a right-handed guitar strung for a righty but played upside-down, gave him a distinctive voice, drawing comparisons to Hendrix and Albert King, as noted on his Wikipedia page.

Fans can connect with Eric Gales through his official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour updates, gear insights, and personal reflections. His official website offers tour dates, merch, and music, including details on his latest album, Crown. The Eric Gales Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, share live videos, and celebrate Gales’ electrifying performances. Another fan hub, Eric Gales Fans, features discography details and concert reviews, making it a go-to for those digging deeper into his 19-album career. Whether you’re grooving to “Steep Climb” or exploring his roots, Gales’ journey from Memphis prodigy to blues-rock titan is one worth following.