Blog Alert!- Gary Clark Jr. “This Land” A Sonic Truth

Gary Clark Jr. “This Land”-Sonic Truth

I’ve been waiting for the artist that would be the bridge. A bridge to many. An artist that would deliver a multitude of American musical styles and meld them into the current musical landscape, reaching the young and not so young all while making a statement in hopes of waking up the sleeping complacency among us.

With his latest self produced album “This Land”Gary Clark Jr. is that artist.

Some people might say Gary might be “Mad as hell, and he’s not going to take it anymore”. But, “This Land” is much more than that. It’s a Sonic Truth, delivering messages that we haven’t seen or heard since Bob Dylan’s “The Times They are a Changing” or Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin On” album and it’s long overdue. The more I listen to “This land” I realize that it is as important as those aforementioned classics.

Putting aside the records important and impactful messages of warning, Mr. Clark has fused traditional American music with modern Pop, R&B, Indie, Reggae, Rock, Blues & Punk. Still, there lies a common thread. His voice over the last few years has matured into a rich, multidimensional chameleon like instrument that at times makes you wonder, “Is that someone other than him singing?”

So, what about the guitar playing?

Gary is playing in tribute to the song, with a form of truly tasteful yet roaring minimalism with riffs and solo lines that are arresting ear worms. It’s all a perfect fit and a triumph. The pairing and basket weaving of Gary’s leads and “KIng” GCJ Zapata’s rhythm work is completely seamless. Sonically, you don’t know where one begins and the other ends.

The brightest spots-

“This Land” (the title track)- Full of angst and defiantly proclaiming “This Land Is Mine!” Under a pseudo-hip hop/rock beat, buzzsaw guitars, screaming leads and lyrics Chuck D should have written in 1989.

“Feel Like A Million”- A modern R&B/Reggae/Rock joint that is a tune for cruising and dancing all while you’re trying to cop those killer guitar licks.

“Got to Get Into Something”- Austin style punk reminiscent of The Big Boys, once again with a modern twist. This is going to be a great live track.

“Feed the Babies”- Its as if Marvin Gaye had written lyrics for a Curtis Mayfield tune and then saved it for Gary Clark Jr. to record and fuel inject for new ears to understand. This vocal is superb while it still perplexes me that the subject matter is still something that needs to be addressed after all these years. Mr. Clark is pointing out we haven’t evolved, but desperately need too.

“Pearl Cadillac”- When I hear this song, I can only Imagine the Likes of BB King, SRV & Prince all smiling at each other knowingly, and assured Gary Clark Jr. has it all well in hand.

But, let me stress, this is not just an album of great cuts, put together. This is a musical statement and in my opinion should be listen to that way. Who knows, something this good could bring back “The Album”.

I hope Gary Clark Jr. stays true to his mission and keeps building those musical bridges. We need more of that and the Sonic Truth he’s delivering.

Mark Daven
Guitar Radio Show
2/25/19