Mixing Up The Medicine
BMG, 2021
9/10
Listen to Mixing Up The Medicine
The veteran artist Chris Jagger sure has been busy as he released this new album at the same time he finished up his autobiography, Talking To Myself. Musically, Mixing Up The Medicine, touches on many ideas, as Jagger has always been quite diverse with his art, and his longtime collaborator Charlie Hart certainly helps document the occasion.
“Anyone Seen My Heart?” starts the listen with no shortage of rhythm and soulfulness as warm brass, punchy drumming and spirited guitar work complement Jagger’s rugged yet inviting vocals that take help from Jagger’s older brother, Mick, and “Merry Go Round” follows with a timeless blues appeal that benefits from a lively pace of frisky keys and bouncy horns.
Landing in the middle spot is the contagious and upbeat “Happy As A Lamb”, which displays a charming guitar solo, while “A Love Like This” flows with glorious melodies as a romantic mood unfolds with plenty of grooves. “Wee Wee Tailor”, another excellent track, then makes great use of strings amid the voodoo soul influenced landscape.
“Hey Brother”, an eloquent piano ballad, arrives near the end and showcases Jagger’s poetic side with gentle violin accenting the bluesy moments, and “Too Many Cockerels” exits the listen with clever harmonica adding much to the busy but precise finish that births a very distinct sort of Americana.
Jagger took inspiration from the 19th century poet Thomas Beddoes for the effort, and with Nick Payn and Frank Mead on horns, Dylan Howe behind the drum kit, and double bassist Olly Blanchflower, among others, in attendance, Jagger’s roots, blues, soul, jazz and ska mix makes every track here top notch, adventurous and quite wise.
Now in his mid 70’s, if this is in fact Jagger’s last album, well, it sure does make for a timeless swan song.
Travels well with: Davy Knowles- What Happens Next; Sue Foley- Pinky’s Blues