J.R. Clark
Chicago Blues that's finger-pickin' good!
Price: $5 at the doorLink: http://www.jrcblues.com
The JR Clark Band, based out of Kalamazoo MI, is fresh off their latest release JR Clark 'Alive' at The Midway. The two disc cd set was recorded in front of a packed house in Mishawaka, IN and the energy from that night was really captured in the performance. This 5-piece band brings many flavors in their performance from Chicago Blues, to soul and even a little southern rock. These guys do it all. No show is the same. JR Clark - Guitar and Vocals J R Clark is a protégé of Chicago Blues legend Lil’ Ed Williams of Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials. Lil’ Ed is a high energy performer himself and performed as a guest on the Conan Obrien Show two times. J R has been called the heir apparent to the fez, a type of hat that Lil’ Ed wears as his signature. He carries on the tradition of Lil’ Ed’s slide playing or slide slinging Chicago Blues on guitar. ‘Learning from Ed and performing with him on the road has taught me a lot of how to lead a band and how to get the audience going’ Clark said. ‘It’s an honor that Ed sees enough of himself in me that he calls me his adopted son even though he is only 12 years older. Ed to me is a modern day blues legend such as Muddy Waters was to Johnny Winter’. Clark not only is a master at slide slinging guitar, he is also a double threat on standard. Drawing on influences such as the late great Luther Allison, Larry McCray, Magic Slim and Michael Burks, he uses this melting pot to create his own brand of music. An original artist and songwriter, J R also has a repertoire of blues covers that numbers in the hundreds. Clark lets the audience dictate in which direction the show is going to go. The bands last studio release is entitled ‘Getaway’ and is entirely original except for one cover. Denny Love - Bass Denny Love is the original bass man of the JR Clark band. An outstanding bass player and road warrior from years past, Denny is the only guy JR knew that could come in after Melvin left and lay the bottom down as though the band hasn't missed a beat. Den has added a new dimension to the band that they are sounding better than they ever have before! Timson Taliaferro - Drums When Ben Pompey took a leave from the group, JR new he needed someone who could come right in and keep the band's tight sound. The first call he new he had to make was to Timson Taliaferro, long time drummer for ‘Dr. Bones and the Skeletones’ to the now present ‘Skeletones’. Timson's backround is from the Soul side of the Blues and R&B. The band has since not missed a beat and Timson brings a little different flavor to group. James Hill - Hammond Organ, Piano James Hill is the latest edition to the JR Clark Band. James was formerly a member of ‘Double Stuff’, The All Star Frogs, The Junior Walker All Star Band and Duke Tumatoe and the Power Trio. JR and James met by chance at a jam and hit it off right away. Not only is James a virtuoso on Keyboards, he is also one heck of a vocalist. Whether complimenting with harmonizing background vocals or doing lead vocals, he is always a treat to listen to. ‘We are really excited about having James in the Band. We really compliment what each other does very well’said Clark.