THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Not many people start new bands in their 80s, but legendary guitarist, producer, and songwriter Steve Cropper isn’t just anybody. The triple-threat musician isn’t slowing down any time soon. In fact, he recently earned his first solo Grammy nomination for the debut of his tight and tuneful rock ’n’ soul quintet The Midnight Hour.
Cropper has wasted no time in following up this success with the sophomore album Friendlytown. Always pushing ahead and never repeating himself, Cropper has brought in the talents of Billy F Gibbons from ZZ Top to play on the record. Also stopping by Friendlytown is Queen guitarist extraordinaire Brian May, and country-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Tim Montana.
“If your booty is not shaking in the first two bars of this album, you’re already dead in a chair,” laughs Cropper. “I feel so good about this batch of songs. They’re packed with radio hooks… it’s like guitar heaven.”
Check out the first single Too Much Stress, featuring May. This groovy mid-tempo number features gospel-style backing vocals and a trifecta of the baddest rock guitar players. May sings the duet vocal together with Roger C. Reale, while May and Gibbons trade back-to-back solos. The Queen axeman’s trademark snarling tone and lyrical licks perfectly complement Gibbons’ searing blues-based style, with Cropper holding it all down with some signature slinky rhythm guitar work.”
