The term ‘legend’ is often overused nowadays: in the realm of music, I believe you can’t be considered a legend after merely one or two albums (and definitely not just singles!). To me, a true legend is someone who has persistently, efficiently and skillfully impacted their world. It isn’t always the most famous or outspoken individuals; quite frequently, it’s those who form the foundation upon which everything else stands.
Imagine an individual who has been deeply involved in the music industry for more than five decades, significantly impacting the careers of notable artists such as Etta James, Art Garfunkel, John Lennon, Mavis Staples, Albert King, Rod Stewart, Otis Redding, Booker T and The MGs, and the Blues Brothers. Such a person certainly qualifies for being called ‘legendary.’ Adding to that the fact that he composed or co-composed over 3,00 songs including such gems as ‘In The Midnight Hour’ and ‘(Sitting On) The Dock Of The Bay,’ as well as a producer of renown and he deserves all the plaudits he gets.
Steve Cropper is that musician and he is proving his talents yet again with his latest solo album, Friendly Town. He also has a couple of very special guests helping out too. ’Too Much Stress’ is a bluesy rocker with Brian May sharing vocals and guitar with Steve and it is genius from start to finish as Brian shows he understands the blues without losing his trademark sound. On the title track and the dirty and lovely ‘You Can’t Refuse’ the talents of Billy Gibbons mesh brilliantly with Steve and the band.
Elsewhere we get the tasty brassy ‘Let’s Get Started’ that shows the exquisite picking skills of Steve. ‘Liars, Crooks and Clowns’ is bluesy RnB of exceptional quality; when I first listened to it I thought of Ian Drury… give it a listen and you’ll see what I mean. ‘Reality Check’ is clever on a lyrical and musical level. The album closer ‘I Leave You in Peace’ is slower but smoulders with Hammond, excellent picking and a guitar solo that is pure, heartfelt genius.
This is a great album from someone with a deep knowledge and understanding of blues but brings in so much variation and musical skill that it isn’t a one-trick pony… it is a wide-ranging, accessible and skilful album that deserves your attention.
Friendly Town is released on 23rd August 2024.
