That sounds like an exciting collaboration! Steve Cropper, known for his influential work as a guitarist and songwriter, joining forces with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top promises a blend of blues, rock, and soul. Cropper’s signature guitar style and Gibbons’ distinctive voice and guitar work could create a unique and compelling track. Do you have any other details about the release or the album.
Blues icon Steve Cropper is back with a hot new single, “Friendlytown,” which is also the title track from his upcoming album due out on August 23rd via Mascot Label Group/Provogue. This release follows his critically praised single, “Too Much Stress,” which featured a notable collaboration with Brian May.
A Blues-Rock Powerhouse.
“Friendlytown” features Steve Cropper’s signature loping riff, enhanced by the gritty Texas blues guitar of ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. Roger C. Reale’s powerful vocals mix bluesy grit with catchy hooks, creating a sound likely to appeal to both dedicated fans and newcomers.
Cropper co-wrote the track with Reale, Jon Tiven, and his long-time friend Gibbons. The result is a robust blues-rock anthem that contrasts Cropper’s angular guitar style with Gibbons’ iconic playing.
Star-Studded Collaborations
The album’s previous single, “Too Much Stress,” features a stellar lineup including Cropper, Gibbons, and Queen’s Brian May. The track highlights a dynamic exchange of vocals between May and Reale, with May contributing gospel-style backing and the guitarists delivering fiery solos.
‘Friendlytown’: A New Classic in the Making
Produced by Cropper and longtime collaborator Jon Tiven, “Friendlytown” is set to be a blend of Cropper’s classic sound with modern touches. The album includes an all-star cast: lead vocalist Roger C. Reale, drummer Nioshi Jackson, and the Reverend Billy Gibbons, with engineering by Eddie Gore.
Jon Tiven aptly notes, “If there was a Mt. Rushmore of guitar pickers, Mr. Steve Cropper would be there.”
A Legacy of Blues and Soul
Steve Cropper’s career, spanning decades, has profoundly impacted the music world. From his early work with The Mar-Keys and Booker T. & the M.G.’s to his groundbreaking contributions at Stax Records, his influence is immense.
His accolades include:
Two GRAMMY Awards (out of seven nominations)
Ranked #2 greatest guitarist of all time by Mojo Magazine (just behind Jimi Hendrix)
36 in Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”
Cropper’s contributions are featured in HBO’s documentary Stax: Soulsville U.S.A., showcasing his work with Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam & Dave. Post-Stax, his talents have enriched recordings by Jeff Beck, John Prine, Ringo Starr, and Elton John.
As he gears up for the release of “Friendlytown,” Cropper reflects on his legacy with modesty: “When I think about my legacy, I want it to be said that I was a nice guy.”
With this new release, Steve Cropper continues his remarkable musical journey, and blues fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the story of this guitar legend.
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