The first new material from the blues-rocker’s new 2024 album kicks off with an infectious riff and plenty of fuzz
Gary Clark Jr. emerged as a towering figure in the contemporary music landscape. With a career that spans over a decade, his mastery of the guitar and his soulful vocal delivery won him critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide. Clark is not just a musician—he’s a phenomenon that has revitalized the blues genre.
Enjoy the new video for the gritty and muscular track “Maktub” from Clark and his band—just one of many new songs from his forthcoming album, “JPEG RAW,” available on March 22. Listen to a 4-song sampler of the new material here.
Hailing from Texas, Clark’s brand of blues music is a melting pot of influences. His ability to blend traditional blues with rock and soul—and now world music, traditional African rhythms, and more—has marked him as a creative force. This fusion creates a vibrant, energetic sound that resonates with a diverse audience, illustrating his role in bringing a new kind of blues to the modern era.
Clark’s talent has been recognized with six GRAMMY® Award nominations and four wins, highlighting his stellar contributions to music. These accolades are a testament to his skill, creativity, and impact as an artist, securing his place among the greats of his generation.
Gary Clark Jr.’s guitar playing is distinctive. His nuanced approach and emotional depth capture the essence of blues music while pushing its boundaries. His style is both a homage to the legends of blues and a forward-looking reinterpretation of the genre.
The Epiphone Affinity
Clark’s choice of Epiphone guitars, particularly the “Blak & Blu” Casino hollowbody electric guitar—fitted with two Gibson USA P-90 pickups, plays a crucial role in his sound. This relationship between artist and instrument is pivotal, allowing Clark to express his musical vision with clarity and power. The Casino’s rich tones and versatility make it the perfect tool for his exploration of genre-blending sounds.
The Casino’s characteristics enable him to navigate between crisp, clean tones and fuzz-laden sounds, offering a wide palette for his musical expression. This versatility is central to Clark’s ability to convey emotion and connect with audiences. From time to time, you’ll find him wearing out a Gibson SG, too. Lately, he’s been favoring a Gibson ES 355—tone you can write home about.
As Clark continues to evolve, so does the anticipation for his future projects. His musical journey and this new video suggest a trajectory that will keep pushing boundaries, experimenting with sounds, and exploring new themes.
Explore the archtop collections from Epiphone and get the latest news and pre-order the album from Gary’s website.
