Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Gary Clark Jr, Warner Music 2019.
This is the first album I’ve listened to from new Afro/American music sensation Gary Clark Jr and it is very impressive.
His reputation as one of the important and influential voices in modern music preceded him for he has been praised by everyone from US President Barack Obama, who claimed he was “the future of music”, through to a slew of music critics who have fallen over themselves in outdoing each other with their superlatives.
And if this album is anything to go by he certainly is deserving of the praise.
In a very short time he has made an indelible mark in the music business and Rolling Stone labeled him “the chosen one” comparing his virtuosity to Prince and naming him as his likely successor.
This album gives us an insight into his musical soul with themes that reflect an unapologetic cultural consciousness.
Lyric subject matter varies from intimacy to issues that afro Americans deal with on a daily basis and the musical canvas showcases his incredible guitar playing as well as the broad palette of rhythms and beats that are part of his cultural heritage.
The explosive title track was released on 10 January and is a raw commentary on his homeland.
He has graced main stages around the world including the Glastonbury Festival and he’s touring Australia.
He’s also been given the stamp of approval by some of the biggest names in music.
He’s collaborated with artists as diverse as Prince, Beyoncé, Foo Fighters, Alicia Keys, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Ed Sheeran, Eric Clapton, Childish Gambino as well as Keith Urban and many more.
I can hear Prince’s influence in much of his work.
The track Pearl Cadillac references Prince’s Pink Cadillac while presenting an entirely new work.
Gary Clark Jr is an outstanding guitarist and what is so nice is that he doesn’t overplay it.
Mostly his solos are beautifully understated.
This is a very impressive album and deserves the accolades it has received.
