Medicine Head - Heartwork.

MEDICINE HEAD
HEARTWORK
Living Room Records
On the surface, there’s a smooth and occasional cracked patina of emotions across these mostly mid-tempo blues influenced tunes. However, what shines across this solid presentation of songs is John Fiddler’s optimistic lyrical cogitations on the meaning of love. This harmonious musical blend is the recorded companion follow up to his previous back under the Medicine Head banner Warriors Of Love album.

On Heartwork, Fiddler continues to revel in a sweet and melancholy mood as the opening track Making Up For Lost Love asserts. It's a slow burner bluesy tune not unlike a JJ Cale deep cut, even the cliched blues guitar licks find their perfect home over this deep groove. Exquisite female backing vocals float along on a bed of loose musical grooves as Fiddler speaks a personal lyrical tale on Alibi. As much follows on Everybody Has The Blues Sometimes with Fiddler expressing his fine singing voice accompanied by tasteful underplayed guitar licks.

There's also a cool bluesy bite to Fiddler's voice that reveals itself in earnest on Hands In The Air. Its slide guitar motif, electric piano and loping beat fuse to sparkling effect. Stepping out of the blues hued song medium, the reggae dub feel to Livin' In A Bubble adds a rhythmic versatility to this recording's laid-back vibe. As much is true on the country rock ballads Love Is Not A Dream and Gotta Hold On that add a width to this song cycle.

Back in blues cruise control mode, It's All About Love and closing tune Ridin’ In My Car tightly fit the overall sonic architecture represented on this deeply worthwhile album. Heartwork sweetly pulsates with the cool essential vibes of JJ Cale and Chris Rea at its centre.
PAUL DAVIES