Gary Clark Jr. Celebrates Brooklyn!

August 15, 2018 by Suzanne Cadgène

After an opening set from Fiona Silver and Little Thunder, Gary Clark Jr. rocked, socked and delivered the blues to a capacity crowd at Celebrate Brooklyn ! , BRIC’s top-shelf performing arts series that runs hot each summer, just completed its’ 40th season at the bandshell in Prospect Park.

Fiona Silver/ photo © by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Nobody can say Clark doesn’t put everything he’s got into his performances, and this was no exception. Starting out with a slow blues rendition of Robert Petway’s classic “Catfish Blues”, Clark segued into his “Ain’t Messin ‘Round,” which starts off rocking and ramps it up fast—kind of like his whole concert.

Gary Clark Jr On Stage at CB! / HBL photo

Gary Clark Jr. and bandmates / photo © by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

He began one of his favorites”Don’t Owe You A Thang”, as a slow-paced blues number and then full-tilted his guitar and the band behind him into a driving version that had several women in the front row screaming for more. This was not the usual response when a man says he owes you nothing and sure ain’t buying you a ring. But that’s Gary Clark Jr.- a long tall drink of water that just makes you thirsty for more.

The set also included Clark’s “Next Door Neighbor Blues” and “Travis County,” and BB Kings’ “My Baby’s Gone.” Fellow guitarist King Zapata filled in the powerful sound with searing guitar riffs, while bassist Johnny Bradley and drummer Johnny Radelat never missed a beat.

Gary Clark Jr. at Celebrate Brooklyn! / photo © by Howard B. Leibowitz / courtesy of B.L.Howard Productions

Clark paces his show as well as he plays guitar—like a virtuoso. Saving the heavy stuff for last, he did a version of “All Along the Watchtower” and somewhere, Jimi Hendrix is saying to himself, “Why didn’t I do it that way?”

For his encore, he brought out his opening act, Fiona Silver, and together they gave a rousing and pointed version of The Beatles’ “Come Together.” Mission accomplished, Gary, at least for one night in Prospect Park.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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