With a career that has taken in stints as an actor, journalist, guitar maker and broadcaster as well as musician, it would be all too easy to sneer at Chris Jagger. And while the family connection has undoubtedly given Jagger minor access to artists such as David Gilmour and singer Sam Brown, both of whom guest here as well as brother Mick, taken on its own terms this 16-track retrospective from the past 20 years boasts just about enough merits to stand on its own two feet.
Naturally, the blues remains the obvious touchstone, but, as evidenced by Got Me (Where You Want Me) and On The Road, Jagger’s musical calling errs more on the side of spicy Cajun and country flavours. These are tracks that rollick along in their own easy-going fashion. Elsewhere, Law Against It rubs shoulders with early Dire Straits.
David Gilmour’s trademark slide guitar and sustained notes make their presence felt on It’s Amazing What People Throw Away and Junkman, but all too often it’s difficult to shake the feeling that, much like Jools Holland And His Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, Chris Jagger works far better in a live setting than on your stereo.
