Gary Clark Jr. Talks blues influences, new album

Austin blues prodigy Gary Clark Jr. took time off from cutting his new disc to play a smoking late Saturday afternoon set at Bonnaroo. Before going on, the guitarist sat backstage with�Rolling Stone�to discuss how he got into the blues. "I actually went backwards and started by listening to Jimi Hendrix," he said. "Then I figured out where his style came from and who listened to." He also shared with us details of his upcoming album, which is being produced by Rob Cavallo. "Just before I got here I was recording some tracks out there in Los Angeles," he said. "Some blues stuff, some R&B stuff ... Getting heavy into it. [Cavallo's] done all sorts of crazy stuff, Green Dave and [Dave] Matthews. He knows a little about music."

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[megajames3000]

I FUCKING LOVE THIS GUY HE'S THE STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN OF MY TIME. IT'S KINDA WEIRD BECAUSE , IM BLACK, I GOT STARTED WITH JIMI TOO, AND I SIT IN MY FUCKING BEDROOM EVERYDAY PLOTTING MY RISE AND IM GLAD TO KNOW THERE'S SOME ONE OUT THERE THAT'LL BE WITH ME.

I GOTTA JAM WITH THIS GUY. GARY CALL ME IM IN OHIO BRO.

[squirreligloo]

The way he gives the interview like he's talking to a friend at their kitchen table, and the way he keeps forgetting he's supposed to be talking into the mic.... Doesn't seem like he's concerned with promotional BS, or fronting some stereotypical 'bluesman' persona... I hope he goes far, and doesn't let fame fuck his dome up.

[Leatherlog1]

Dude if you got those artist as your influences your art is limitless.

[TREDEUCETRL32]

what song is he playing in the beginning??

[mlb5656]

@megajames3000 it's ''BUTT'' not "but"

[WhereAreMyChucks]

i have that same strap, me and this dude are one in the same

[1512735]

@megajames3000 You're not the only one,I agreed,Gary Clark and Eric gale are beasts.i started with charlie christian and freddie and albert king.I'm just starting to get jobs playing,do you have any music posted.I'm on youtube,just click on the 1512735 and you will be there.time for some new black blues players.Don't listen to people on the net,I see people ragging on 8-12 year olds playing skill,thats insane

[megajames3000]

@jordon666 YOU'RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO GET FUCKED IN THE BUT BY A BRAZILIAN SHEMALES DICK WRAPPED IN SANDPAPER GLUED TO BROKEN GLASS BY THAT SAME SHEMALES SEMEN.

IF YOU AINT EVEN GOOD ENOUGH FOR THAT, YOU DEFINITELY AINT SHIT.

but, i love you anyway

[jordon666]

@megajames3000 your not good enough to jam with gary clark jr. idiot

[jhickman57]

@BlueSpawnRecords -- yeah, you're missing somethin' IMHO .. his phrasing on guitar is sweet. I know, it's got to hit you personally. For me he's got something special .. kinda raw, with soul and finesse .. and deep blues roots

[BlueSpawnRecords]

@Austexmusic Bright Lights, Big City....I'll stick with Jimmy Reed...angry..no...just waiting for the next SRV, Jimi, Muddy, B.B. Albert.....not really blown away with this guy....maybe I'm missing something here...time will tell...again...I do like his voice..not big into one chord vamps or box one cliched solos...take care guy...

[Austexmusic]

@BlueSpawnRecords Why are you so angry? Gary is doing what millions of musicians long to do...take their music to the masses. Don't hate because he got a break. I bet those players in the corner bars that you speak about would swap places in a heartbeat! He's better than good....admit it...I promise it won't take away from whatever it is you're trying to accomplish.