Album review: JARROD DICKENSON – Big Talk

February 3rd, 2023 by jason

Website [Release date 03.02.23]

After a major label deal-gone-bad and Covid complications left him with a life-long medical condition, Jarrod Dickenson comes out fighting with ‘Big Talk’, an album full of classy melodies and lyrics.

The album features Jano Rix (The Wood Brothers) on drums and keys, Ted Pecchio (Doyle Bramhall II, Tedeschi Trucks Band) on bass, JP Ruggieri on guitars and Claire Dickenson on backing vocals.

Opening with ‘Buckle Under Pressure’ the album is off to a flying start, with the song’s big, bold melody. The spirit of Tom Petty runs strong through the melody and indeed sentiment of the lyrics.

‘Home Again’ is a jaunty number with guest appearances from Oliver Wood and Jano Rix. The Hammond, piano, guitar picking and drums combine for a superlative musical mix. Add on top the guest vocalists and you have an album highlight (one of many it has to be said).

Loving the brassy ‘Prefer To Love’, that has sweet and soulful backing vocals, with Jarrod’s vocals taking centre stage. He has a rich vocal tone, not unlike Shawn Mullins say. ‘With Any Luck’ kicks up a little bit of southern rock dust. Shades of Blackberry Smoke mixed with that guitar sound which is another reason to love this album.

‘Goodnight’ closes the album with a plaintive vocal from Jarrod backed by strings and gentle bass & acoustic guitar. A tale of a saying goodbye to a loved one and the listener will be wiping away a tear or two by the song’s end.

Jarrod Dickenson has used these past couple of years to craft a wonderfully warm sounding and enjoyable album. Deserves to be a success based on the songs ‘Home Again’ and ‘Prefer To Love’. Not a filler to be heard either. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)