Album review: JARROD DICKENSON – Big Talk

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,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

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 6 April 2025.

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 on 8 April 2025

How to Listen Live?

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

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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025

THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 21 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.