“Inspirational”: Steve Cropper is a sublimely understated presence with The Midnight Hour on Friendlytown

In the 1960s, Steve Cropper was held in awe by top UK guitarists for his producing and playing with Otis Redding and Stax house band Booker T & The MG’s. Six decades on, he continues forging forward after 2021’s Grammy-nominated Fire It Up. 

Using the same squad named after one of his most famous compositions, including co-producer Jon Tiven and singer/lyricist Roger C Reale, Cropper welcomes Billy Gibbons on stinging form and Brian May on Jailhouse Rock-referencing single Too Much Stress. 

Cropper is a sublimely understated presence as his blues and soulrock blueprints get amplified and elevated by stellar accomplices, rising to Reale’s roughshod reboot of society-lambasting 60s soul on Talkin’ ‘Bout Politics (‘liars, crooks and clowns’), There’s Always A Catch and Reality Check. His illustrious Stax 60s further bathe optimistic Rain On My Parade and gorgeous closing ballad I Leave You In Peace.

Inspirational.