Gary Clark Jr.
NewMusicforOldFolks says …
I have this recurring discussion with my son about the music he likes versus the music I like. It's not, I say, that your music is bad, it's just that it's so layered with sound I can't hear any individual instruments. "Who," I ask, "is the greatest guitar player of your generation?" Max is 24; if I give him 10 years, the answer is 34-year-old Gary Clark Jr. Next on the list is John Mayer, but he's 37. Jack White, believe it or not, is 40. Unlike many guitar heroes, Clark does not live to solo. When he's wearing his Blues hat (pictured above, not literally) he certainly does. But Clark also has a Soul/R&B hat, an Gospel hat and even a Hip Hop hat. He wears them all very well. Check out his new release, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim.
Artist's Info
Website: garyclarkjr.com
See them live: Tour dates
Record company: Warner Bros.
Genre: Blues, R&B, Soul
If you like this, look into: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Curtis Mayfield, Prince (kind of all over the place stylistically)
Bio (From the artist's website)
Ever since 2010, when Gary Clark Jr. wowed audiences with electrifying live sets everywhere from the Crossroads Festival to Hollywood’s historic Hotel Café, his modus operandi has remained crystal clear: “I listen to everything…so I want to play everything.” The revelation that is the Austin-born virtuoso guitarist, vocalist and songwriter finds him just as much an amalgamation of his myriad influences and inspirations. Anyone who gravitated towards Clark’s, 2011’s Bright Lights EP, heard both the evolution of rock and roll and a savior of blues. The following year’s full-length debut, Blak And Blu, illuminated Clark’s vast spectrum - “Please Come Home” is reminiscent of Smokey Robinson, while “Ain’t Messin’ Around” recalls Sly and the Family Stone. 2014’s double disc Gary Clark Jr–Live projected Clark into 3D by adding palpable dimension and transcendent power –– songs soared and drifted from the epic, psychedelic-blues of “When My Train Comes In” to his anthemic, hip-hop, rock-crunch calling card, “Bright Lights”, all the way down to the deep, dark, muddy water of “When The Sun Goes Down”. (more)
Spotify sampler
Recordings
Most Recent
THE STORY OF SONNY BOY SLIM (2015): There are going to be people that don't like this album. Those are the people that have been looking at Gary Clark as the second coming of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He was the Blues guitar prodigy that was going to give us one flaming guitar solo after another and bring Blues back into the mainstream. There's no doubt that Clark could do that if he wanted. Just watch his appearances with Eric Clapton or Buddy Guy. You can't do a giant gathering of Rock ’n Roll or Blues musicians without Gary Clark Jr. representing the younger generation. He's even done it at the White House.
OTHERS
110 (2004)
Worry No More (2008)
Blak and Blu (2012)
Gary Clark Jr. Live (2014)
