ALBUM } REVIEWS
NEW ALBUMS
A selection of new and reissued guitar releases, including Album Of The Month
ALBUM OF THE MONTH
STEVE CROPPER
FIRE IT UP
Provogue 8/10
The legendary Steve Cropper of Booker T and The MG’s, Otis Redding and Blues Brothers movie has a new album out and the 13 tracks make for great listening! His biting Peavey T-type guitar, Fender amp and spring reverb tone is still something of wonder, making these instrumentals and songs both nostalgic and modern. Bush Hog Part 1 is a swampy instrumental groover, vibing with blues phrases and tasty 6th slides. Fire It Up is soulful with a great upbeat groove and Roger C. Reale’’s emphatic vocals are reminiscent of Joe Cocker. I’m Not Havin’ It has Steve’s rhythm guitar magic all over it with numerous great strumming and riff parts. As typical of Steve’s Booker T work, many songs feature organ and horn arrangements and Out Of Love is a good example - the structure is based in the 12-bar style, the band sounds tight and Steve takes a lovely solo. The Go-Getter Is Gone may evoke The Meters riffing style but the band, Steve’s 6th double-stops and lead licks plus Roger’s vocals make it stand out. Steve takes the album out in style with Bush Hog, groovy! JS