TURN IT UP TUESDAYS . . . TEXAS BLUES/BLUES ROCK



Gary Clark Jr (photo taken from Gary Clark Jr. website)

 

On this week's Turn it Up Tuesdays, I want to share with you blues rock, R&B, Texas blues singer Gary Clark Jr.  At just 29 years old, this man has accomplished A LOT! 

 

Gary Clark Jr. is from Austin, Texas.  He began playing guitar at age 12.  He has stated he is influenced by blues, jazz, soul and country, as well as hip hop.  His claim to stardom began when he met Clifford Antone (promoter).  Soon after, he began playing with musical icons, Jimmie Vaughan, the Rolling Stones, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Cheryl Crow, Dave Matthews Band and Eric Clapton.  At just age 17, his home state of Austin declared "Gary Clark Jr. Day".  Clark won the Austin Music Award for Best Blues and Electric Guitarist, on three different occasions. Clark performed alongside blues legends at the Red, White and Blues event at the White House.   You can watch the performance with Clark and Jimmie Vaughan here

 

Clark's musical trademarks are his extremely fuzzy guitar sound and smooth vocal style.  Here are what some of the reviews are saying:

 

"This singer-guitarist may be the next Hendrix... churning his distorted strings into a euphoric moment of psychedelia" - New York Times;

 

"Every generation has its chosen one and right now, this is Clark's time" - Entertainment Weekly;

 

"Austin resident Gary Clark Jr., who may be the city's next big music star flashed his blend of blues, soul and rock, mixing fluid, muscular guitar with rootsy bark or a falsetto croon" - The Wall Street Journal

 

The way I can describe Clark's voice and guitar playing are . . .  smooth and flawless.  Two of my favorite songs are:  "Things are Changin'" (watch here) and "Bright Lights" (watch here).  You can listen to his other songs on his website here

 

I also enjoyed watching Clark perform at the Rock and Roll Hall Induction Ceremony back in June 2013.  He performed with John Mayer (a performance for Albert King singing, Born Under a Bad Sign).  In case you missed it, you can watch it here

 

Gary Clark Jr. will be in my neck of the woods (NYC) in February, as a very special guest for Kings of Leon.  I want to go!

 

Gary Clark Jr. is an inspiration to all musicians, young and old.  He has accomplished so much in such a short period of time.  Way to go Clarke!

 

Enjoy.