Not a musician, but it seems that all the great ones understand what you described: "the space left open between the instruments was an instrument and a groove all its own." The Atlantic also published an article about Cropper: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025/12/steve-cropper-obituary/685152/ (sorry it's not a gifted link - for reasons beyond my ken, their site isn't providing me that option today).
Great tribute! Two big takeaways from me: 1. I had no idea of the scope of his work. 2. Your nod to Blues Brothers 2000 has put it on my queue. I’ve avoided it but if it has the Mixtape approval, I’ll watch it.
Just don't go in expecting it to be even close to the first film. If you lower your expectations and just enjoy the musical performances and arrangements as well as the cameos, you should be good. And thanks for the kind words!
Mike, the tasty guitar on I Forgot To Be Your Lover is played by Booker T! I interviewed Bell a few years ago and asked, so distinctive is the playing. Anyway, nice tribute to a guitarist whose 60s work is hugely influential (and great, of course).
Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I'm sure I heard that years ago but, coincidentally, completely forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder, and I'll make that correction!
I thought Cropper would live forever… both him and Don Nix gone within a year. The remains of the Memphis Sound is much smaller.
Not a musician, but it seems that all the great ones understand what you described: "the space left open between the instruments was an instrument and a groove all its own." The Atlantic also published an article about Cropper: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025/12/steve-cropper-obituary/685152/ (sorry it's not a gifted link - for reasons beyond my ken, their site isn't providing me that option today).
A mighty Totara has fallen. One of the truly great soul songwriters of the 20th century.
Lovely tribute! What a player!!
Great tribute! Two big takeaways from me: 1. I had no idea of the scope of his work. 2. Your nod to Blues Brothers 2000 has put it on my queue. I’ve avoided it but if it has the Mixtape approval, I’ll watch it.
Just don't go in expecting it to be even close to the first film. If you lower your expectations and just enjoy the musical performances and arrangements as well as the cameos, you should be good. And thanks for the kind words!
Great piece, as usual! Thanks for the tribute to a great musician and artist 🎸🎸🎸
Mike, the tasty guitar on I Forgot To Be Your Lover is played by Booker T! I interviewed Bell a few years ago and asked, so distinctive is the playing. Anyway, nice tribute to a guitarist whose 60s work is hugely influential (and great, of course).
Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I'm sure I heard that years ago but, coincidentally, completely forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder, and I'll make that correction!