Blak and Blu
Texas has given the world its fair share of estimable blues guitarists and Austin\'s Gary Clark, Jr. takes the blues into the 21st century with a soulful fuzztone that breaks through the hype. But it isn\'t just heavy guitar workouts that establish the man\'s credentials. The title track prefers a light touch, a comfortable mix of hip-hop rhythms and early 70s Philly Soul. That\'s Clark\'s modus operandi: do it all and do it right. \"When My Train Pulls In\" and \"Bright Lights\" blister like vintage Robin Trower and Stevie Ray Vaughan. \"Travis County\" embarks on a Stones-like romp that could\'ve been found on *Exile on Main St.*. \"The Life\" tests out computer technology with a bright hip-hop groove and a tune that\'s pure pop and soul. \"Glitter Ain\'t Gold\" and \"Numb\" work the same blues-avenues as the Black Keys, while \"Ain\'t Messin \'Round\" kicks up a horn chart and a sense that someone\'s rewriting \"Satisfaction\" with great skill and enthusiasm while adding a gorgeous vocal hook to the chorus. There aren\'t many major label debuts this rich in pure talent and ambition.
This past June I saw Gary Clark Jr. perform on the final morning of Bonnaroo, and even on the main stage, it was a tough…
Gary Clark, Jr. has been hailed by a number of critics as "the New Hendrix," which seems to be the fate of any guitarist who combines blues and rock styles at a considerable volume (particularly if they cover "Third Stone from the Sun").
The expectations placed upon Gary Clark Jr. have been immense ever since he emerged from the Austin, TX scene a decade ago as a teenage blue...
Barack Obama thinks Gary Clark Jr is the future of music, and his blues-and-beyond pop modernity impresses <strong>Caroline Sullivan</strong> too