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.
