Jungle Jim And The Voodoo Tiger

"Jungle Jim & The Voodoo Tiger" marks Jim Dickinson’s Memphis International debut and the third studio album in 34 years from the legendary pianist, vocalist, bandleader, producer, and cultural iconoclast. Credited to his alter ego James Luther Dickinson, the record reflects a career that spans more than four decades of collaborations with artists such as Ry Cooder, the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Big Star, Tony Joe White, Bettye LaVette, and the Replacements. Produced by Dickinson alongside Memphis International co‑founder David Less, the album continues a partnership that previously yielded acclaimed projects like Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Grammy‑nominated *Down in the Alley* and Harmonica Frank Floyd’s *The Missing Link*. Recorded in less than two weeks at the Dickinson family’s Zebra Ranch studio in Independence, Mississippi, the album draws from what Dickinson calls “the jukebox of my mind,” mixing long‑collected favorites with newer material from admired songwriters. Backing him are his sons Cody (drums) and Luther (guitar) of North Mississippi Allstars fame, Alvin Youngblood Hart on guitar, Paul Taylor on electric bass, and Amy LaVere on upright bass, along with a roster of top Memphis players. The result is a genre‑defying set that moves from rollicking barrelhouse numbers like *Hadacol Boogie* and *Rooster Blues* to biting social commentary in Bob Frank’s *Red Neck, Blue Collar*, and contemplative pieces such as *Violin Burns*. Highlights include Chuck Prophet’s *Somewhere Down the Road*, a honky‑tonk take on the Memphis classic *White Silver Sands*, and soulful renditions of *Love Bone* and *Can’t Beat the Kid*. Dickinson himself described the record as “a damn good record for eleven days,” while Ry Cooder, a longtime friend and collaborator, contributed liner notes urging listeners to “take a seat, listen in, find your place.” The album closes with *Samba de Orfeo* from the iconic film *Black Orpheus*, a nod to Dickinson’s college years and his enduring fascination with global sounds. With its mix of blues, rock, soul, and Americana, *Jungle Jim & The Voodoo Tiger* resists easy categorization yet stands as a testament to Dickinson’s restless creativity and his ability to bring together family, friends, and influences into a singular musical vision.