Unkempt visionary, Squirrel Nut Zippers founder, former sideman for Jim Dickinson and Buddy Guy, self-proclaimed “Arkansas Son-in-Law”— Jimbo Mathus has lived many lifetimes, more than most of us could stomach. This month, by means of a work ethic that can only be described as punishing, Mathus is back with a new album, “Blue Healer,” recorded in Water Valley, Mississippi with Fat Possum & Big Legal Mess producer Bruce Watson.
“It’s the story of a man in a southern landscape who is swept insanely apart by internal and external winds,” Mathus says of the new record. “He digs deeper and deeper into the very fabric of his reality, experiencing love and lust, despair, hope and sheer animal exhilaration on levels few ever do. He is tested in every way imaginable and achieves a sort of enlightenment — gains power and understanding of life’s mysteries. Yet questions remain. He wonders if the struggle was worth it, or even real. Is he madman or sage? Con man or honest counsel? Is this autobiographical or fictional? Only the Blue Healer knows the answer to the great cosmic heebie-jeebie.”
Check out a new live video above, and an exclusive song premiere over at Relix, “Shoot Out The Lights.” He’ll bring the album, which will be out April 21, to Little Rock Friday, April 24, at White Water Tavern.