Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour - Friendly Town
(Mascot Records – 2024)
(Style: Blues)
Steve Cropper has been held in high regard since the 60’s by many of the British players, in fact many were awestruck. He has played with Booker T & The MG’s and Ottis Redding, not forgetting his Stax appeal.
At 80, Cropper still is fleet fingered around his chosen instrument. His voice still smouldering and smoky, with a raw edge. The title track and opener plays homage to ZZ Top. ‘Too Much Stress’ features Brian May and it continues in the ZZ top style.
Throughout the record is Blues with Soul and it's enjoyable from start to finish. My favourites come later in the running order, ‘Rain On My Parade’ is sublime mixing Soul with some great vocals and lyrics, the use of horns is subtle, at no point do you think this record is made by an elder statesman.
It is all so fresh - the guitar playing dexterous and full of feel. It is a star-studded affair, apart from May it features Billy F Gibbons and country-rock artist, Tim Montana. The addition of Gospel mixed with fiery solos creates an album of pure excellence.
Another standout for me is ‘There’s Always A Catch’ lyrically it suggests no matter what you do there is always a price to pay. The song has a funky feel with some tasty backing vocals adding to the quality.
Mascot Records rarely if ever fail to have extraordinary talent and this is a fine example of this. The record was produced by Cropper, who was assisted by Jon Tiven, together it will add to Cropper’s legacy.
Simply a great listen.
By Paul Mace