J.J. Jackson: "J.J. Jackson's Dilemma"

From the sounds of it, J.J. Jackson’s “Dilemma” must have been a mighty trippy one.  The liner notes, written by Jackson, give some clue as to what dilemma is being referenced, that is, his sojourn/artistic vision quest in England, where this LP was recorded with his all-British backing band of several years.  J.J. Jackson is most well-known for his huge soul hit “But It’s Alright,” though don’t expect to hear anything even remotely like it on “Dilemma.”  Instead, you get a lysergic dose of fuzzy weirdness, with complex, bizarre instrumentals like “Indian Thing” and “Who Knows,” as well as a few tracks that feature Jackson’s growly vocals, like a cover of Chicago’s “Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?” a wild take on the ‘60’s staple “Let The Sunshine In,” and the surreal original “Help Me Get To My Grits.”  The musical arrangements on this record are incredible; nearly every song incorporates several different movements into one cohesive whole, with influences from jazz to soul to funk to psychedelic rock to Afro-Cuban informing the grooves.  Of all the albums I’ve picked up recently, this one is perhaps the most diverse in its approach, never standing still long enough to be easily boxed into one style or form of musical identification.  Seek dope vinyl and ye shall find.