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

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