Gary Clarke Jr. - Bright Lights EP (02/04/2012)
When Eric Clapton invites you to perform at his Crossroads Guitar Festival, you know you're doing something right. Gary Clarke Jr, at only 26, has made his mark on the industry with his soulful blues and exceptional guitar playing skills. He has earned respect among his peers, and success amongst a wider audience is bound to follow.
Hailing from Austin, Texax, Clarke Jr. is famous enough in the States to have a 'verified' stamp on his Twitter account (follow him @GaryClarkJr). Indeed, on listening to the Bright Lights EP, it is apparent that this is an exciting musician. There is not enough blues receiving airplay, but surely it's only a matter of time before we start hearing this guy on Triple J. Especially when you consider the recent revival of bluesy alt music – think Kings of Leon, Alabama Shakes and Triple J Unearthed success story The Rubens. Indeed, the sound of 'Bright Lights' is not unlike early Black Keys, with its bluesy guitar riff, and somewhat distorted husky vocals.
The second track on the EP 'Don't Owe You A Thang' is foot-stomping blues at its best, with attitude in spades. The last two tracks show off Clarke Jr's raw talent, in all its stripped back glory. 'Things Are Changin' is a down-tempo blues number in which you can hear an R&B influence. 'When My Train Pulls In' showcases a grittier sound, with improvised guitar solos stretching the song beyond 8 minutes.
Clarke Jr has been playing guitar since the tender age of 12, and his skills have won him awards and the aforementioned spot at Crossroads Guitar Festival, where he played alongside the likes of Sheryl Crow. The two solo tracks on Bright Lights showcase his incendiary guitar skills with their long stretches of improvisation.
Gary Clarke Jr is undoubtedly on the road to success, with his soulful blues tunes and silky smooth R&B flavoured voice. The girls will swoon, and the boys will take up guitar lessons. I am eager to see him perform live, as this kind of roots music is best experienced first hand.
Rebecca McCann
Hailing from Austin, Texax, Clarke Jr. is famous enough in the States to have a 'verified' stamp on his Twitter account (follow him @GaryClarkJr). Indeed, on listening to the Bright Lights EP, it is apparent that this is an exciting musician. There is not enough blues receiving airplay, but surely it's only a matter of time before we start hearing this guy on Triple J. Especially when you consider the recent revival of bluesy alt music – think Kings of Leon, Alabama Shakes and Triple J Unearthed success story The Rubens. Indeed, the sound of 'Bright Lights' is not unlike early Black Keys, with its bluesy guitar riff, and somewhat distorted husky vocals.
The second track on the EP 'Don't Owe You A Thang' is foot-stomping blues at its best, with attitude in spades. The last two tracks show off Clarke Jr's raw talent, in all its stripped back glory. 'Things Are Changin' is a down-tempo blues number in which you can hear an R&B influence. 'When My Train Pulls In' showcases a grittier sound, with improvised guitar solos stretching the song beyond 8 minutes.
Clarke Jr has been playing guitar since the tender age of 12, and his skills have won him awards and the aforementioned spot at Crossroads Guitar Festival, where he played alongside the likes of Sheryl Crow. The two solo tracks on Bright Lights showcase his incendiary guitar skills with their long stretches of improvisation.
Gary Clarke Jr is undoubtedly on the road to success, with his soulful blues tunes and silky smooth R&B flavoured voice. The girls will swoon, and the boys will take up guitar lessons. I am eager to see him perform live, as this kind of roots music is best experienced first hand.
Rebecca McCann