The blues-rock band revives the ghost of Muddy Waters while trying to not get washed away.

The members of Stavin’ Chain, who spike their rock with a generous portion of mean, 180-proof Delta blues, seem to have a special affinity for sub-standard housing.

Both bassist Joe Sherman and guitarist John Lawrence did time on Religious Street. near the St. Thomas projects. "Guys would come by and pulI knives on my dogs." says Lawrence. "Every night you'd hear the rapid-...