Legendary guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper marks a monumental moment in his career today with the release of his highly anticipated new album, ‘Friendlytown,’ now available via Mascot Label Group/Provogue. This milestone is accompanied by the premiere of the music video for the album’s latest single, “You Can’t Refuse,” a slithery, Bo Diddley-styled romp featuring the dynamic guitar work of rock sensation Tim Montana and powerhouse rhythm courtesy of Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company). The track showcases Cropper’s hallmark grooves while Montana’s bluesy licks add a fresh energy. The song captivates listeners with its dynamic rhythm and lyrics that speak of unwavering devotion, delivering a powerful promise: “I’m making you an offer you can’t refuse.”
“Tim came to a party I had some time back, and it turns out he was a big fan of my work. When he played on the album, he said ‘just make sure you spell my name right!’” Cropper laughs, recalling the recording session that led to this collaboration.
The release of ‘Friendlytown’ has been met with great excitement, bolstered by the star-studded lineup featured on the album. Cropper teamed up with music legends Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Brian May (Queen), Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company), and Tim Montana to craft a collection of tracks that blend rock, blues, and soul into a masterful expression of Cropper’s iconic sound. Produced by Cropper alongside bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and longtime friend Jon Tiven (Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, and Frank Black), ‘Friendleytown’ is rounded out by lead vocalist Roger C. Reale and Nashville first-call drummer and percussionist Nioshi Jackson. Producer, artist developer, and studio co-owner Eddie Gore (Aaron Goodvin, Keb Mo, Jonathan Singleton) engineered the album and contributed organ.
Cropper has won two GRAMMY Awards from his seven nominations. He’s been ranked the number two greatest guitarist of all-time—behind Jimi Hendrix—by England’s Mojo Magazine, and number 36 in Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Cropper’s name is synonymous with the world-famous soul label Stax Records, and he is featured in HBO’s new documentary, ‘Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.’
While at Stax, Cropper co-wrote hits, played guitar behind, and produced such legends as Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, Bill Withers, Sam & Dave, Albert King, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, and Johnnie Taylor. Post-Stax, Cropper produced and/or played on sessions for Jeff Beck, Jose Feliciano, Yvonne Elliman, John Prine, Tower Of Power, John Cougar, Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang, Elton John, and Steppenwolf, among many, many others.
Reflecting back on his journey, the iconic musician says: “When I think about my legacy, I want it to be said that I was a nice guy,” Cropper says.
‘Friendlytown’ by Steve Cropper
1. Friendlytown
2. Too Much Stress (feat. Brian May)
3. Hurry Up Sundown
4. Let’s Get Started
5. Talkin’ Bout Politics
6. I’ll Take Tomorrow
7. Lay It On Down
8. You Can’t Refuse (feat. Tim Montana)
9. Rain On My Parade
10. There’s Always A Catch
11. In God We Trust
12. Reality Check
13. I Leave You In Peace
