Gary Clark Jr. Doesn't Owe You A Thing

Alright everyone, I know you've seen me post about this guy before.  I was introduced to his music from a fellow co-worker of mine a year or so ago, just before he was set to drop his debut EP "Bright Lights".  Gary Clark Jr. has now become a staple of my weekly jams, and has resonated with my family and friends now.  

Compared to some of the bands I listen to a regular basis, I can tell you now that this stuff is groovy, mellow and far from any head banging you are used to seeing on here.

(Photo courtesy of GCJ Facebook)

Gary Clark Jr. is now an established name across Canada, the US, and gaining exposure overseas.  He made a great impact at Eric Clapton's Crossroads festival a few years ago and has garnished 600,000+ views already (plus the 350,000+ for the video below)!  Not too shabby for a live cut of a song from a debut artist.  

(Photo courtesy of GCJ Facebook)

“I love B.B. King, T-Bone Walker and Hendrix, but no one else can do it like them.  I love to show my respect and tip my hat to those guys, but I was born in 1984.

I grew up with synthesizers and weird, spacey music—hip-hop, R&B, modern rock—that I heard on the radio. That’s influenced the way I play music. It’s natural for me to go with what I feel. If I didn’t let that other stuff out and stuck to a certain format, I would feel like I was missing out on something. I’m just enjoying my ride and being who I am.” -Gary Clark Jr.

Check out one of those videos below:

Now that I have your attention, you'll be happy to know that Gary has announced his plans to release his first   LP, which will be titled "Blak and Blue" and looking for an October 23rd, 2012 release via Warner Bros Records.

"Gary Clark Jr. will release his long-anticipated full-length debut album for Warner Bros. Records on October 23rd. The album, for which the title and track-listing will be announced soon, was produced by Gary Clark Jr. and Mike Elizondo, who is known for his work with Mastodon, Fiona Apple, Dr. Dre, and many others." -garyclarkjr.com

1. Ain’t Messin ‘Round

2. When My Train Pulls In

3. Blak and Blu

4. Bright Lights

5. Travis County

6. The Life

7. Glitter Ain’t Gold (Jumpin’ For Nothin’)

8. Numb

9. Please Come Home

10. Things Are Changin’

11. Third Stone From The Sun/If You Love Me Like You Say

12. You Saved Me

13. Next Door Neighbor Blues

Many music websites and magazines have given this guy high praise in hopes that he could become a music game changer and set a precedent as a major influence and role in the music world.

"Owing as much to Kurt Cobain and the Ramones as Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker, indebted to hip-hop and psychedelia, his shape-shifting calling card EP is grounded in tradition while standing on the brink of change." -Rolling Stone

"Gary Clark Jr. cuts through a stunning blend of rock and soul. Clark can sing some sweet R&B, but at heart, he's a blistering blues-rock guitarist who's about to blow up big" -NPR

(Photo courtesy of GCJ Facebook)

Think they are raising the bar a little high?  It must seem that way.  And yes, people will always try and put musicians on a roster they may not be able to compete with.  From what I have heard, seen and read about this guy, I think that will be far from the equation.  I look forward to seeing more of Mr. Clark Jr. throughout North America for years to come.

“I’ve been called musically schizophrenic, and some people think that’s a cool thing. I’d like to focus on the blues/soul/rock and roll thing for a while. My live shows have been going more in that direction. I’ll probably branch out into other things later on when there’s a time and place for them, but right now I want to stay focused.” -Gary Clark Jr.

(Photo courtesy of GCJ Facebook)

As mentioned before, Gary released an EP titled "Bright Lights" on August 9th, 2011 via Warner Bros Records.  The EP came with some great success and some great reviews.  I personally got this for a sibling of mine for a present and I'm pretty sure that I have to get a new copy due to extreme amount of continuous play (haha).  It was a decent price for the album and the songs are catchy enough to make you ask "OK, seriously?  Only 4 tracks?  When's the LP coming out?!"

1. Bright Lights

2. Don't Owe You A Thang

3. Things Are Changin' (solo acoustic live)

4. When My Train Pulls In (solo acoustic live

"The EP's title track does, indeed, stomp and stammer across the blues-rock landscape like some bastard child of Hendrix and SRV, a heavy rhythmic soundtrack used as a backdrop on top of which Clark embroiders his textured, brilliant, and blustery fretwork. Clark's vocals are enchanting, mesmerizing in the same maddening way that R.L. Burnside used to affect listeners, while his guitarplay is riffish, imaginative, and simply sonically devastating. There are no tentative steps or youthful naiveté here, Clark a ten-year veteran of the competitive Texas blues scene that has held his own on the Antone's stage in Austin.

From the perspective of blues guitar, there's a lot going on in Clark's performance on 'Bright Lights,' from high-flying, scorched-earth blues-rock solos that tear the roof off the sucker to more nuanced, tone-heavy and melodic leads. Above the din Clark keeps singing 'you're going to know my name,' and it comes across as more of a statement of fact than a hollow boast. As a song, "Bright Lights" is an impressive introduction, and one that sets the table for even more considerable fare." -About.com

***

"An Austin, Texas staple who has been garnering rave reviews for his live shows and blues-tastic playing Gary Clark Jr. is primed to explode onto the national and world scene in 2012.  This 4 song EP showcases what Clark specializes in, straight up roadhouse blues.  Ep's need to be special to receive 4 stars out of 5, but each song contained here is a joy and worthy of 1 star on it's own.  The title track and most complete effort tackles New York City's "Bright Lights" and how they can change a person come sun up.  A fantastic lyrical tale over full on strutting guitar that chugs and dirties up the groove every way it can.  Popping drums propel everything forward hooking the listener in the first time through; you will know Gary Clark's name by the end of the song." -Rock The Body Electric

So keep you eyes peeled for a track listing and more information regarding the upcoming release.  As a bonus, you can see from the initial part of the video that multi-talented artist Alicia Keys has taken a shining to GCJ, and even did a few tracks together:

For more info on GCJ and his endeavors, you can check him on any of the following official links:

- www.garyclarkjr.com
- www.twitter.com/GaryClarkJr
- www.facebook.com/GaryClarkJr
- www.youtube.com/user/garyclarkjr
- www.last.fm/music/Gary+Clark+Jr.
- www.myspace.com/garyclarkjr