Nic Clark – Everybody’s Buddy
Little Village Foundation
12 songs – 46 minutes Nic Clark, the rising star in the blues world, takes listeners on a heartwarming journey with his latest release, "Everybody's Buddy." At just 27 years old, Clark showcases not only his prowess as a guitarist and harmonica player but also his maturity as a songwriter, infusing each track with a unique Gen Z perspective on life's challenges and triumphs.
Born and raised in Colorado to Mexican-American heritage, Clark's unconventional childhood saw him immersed in the blues at the tender age of 12, performing in bars with the likes of Billy Branch, Lazy Lester, Big Bill Morganfield, and Rick Estrin & the Nightcats. His journey continued with a notable internship under Kid Andersen at Greaseland Studios in California.
"Everybody's Buddy" delves into Clark's past, where he confronted a series of hardships, from poverty and academic struggles to personal losses and health issues. In this acoustic sophomore album, Clark reflects on his experiences with self-deprecating grace, delivering 11 original compositions and a carefully chosen cover that collectively weave a tapestry of optimism and positive affirmations.
Produced by guitar master Charlie Hunter in Greensboro, N.C., the album features a dynamic lineup with Clark on harmonica, six-string, and tenor vocals, Hunter on hybrid guitar and bass, and George Sluppick on bass. Guest appearances by steel pedal guitarist DaShawn Hickman and vocalist Wendy Hickman add further layers to the musical tapestry.
The opening track, "Laughing at the Rain," sets a hopeful tone with its slow, loping rhythm, and Clark's tenor vocals expressing an optimistic outlook despite life's challenges. The infectious "It'll Be Alright" imparts homespun advice to a friend dealing with worries, encouraging them to keep fighting through sorrows.
Clark shares his personal experiences, from car accidents to the impact of the coronavirus epidemic, in tracks like "Try to Understand" and "Anxiety Blues." The album also pays homage to influential figures, including a touching tribute to guitarist Gino Matteo in "Hurricanes."
One standout track is the only cover in the set, J.B. Lenoir's "Good Advice," where Clark celebrates a conversation with his grandmother, carrying forward the theme of wisdom and guidance. The instrumental "How I Met the Blues" is a poignant six-minute piece that Clark wrote at the age of 11, reflecting on the sudden passing of a young cousin.
As the album progresses, each track unfolds as a narrative, showcasing Clark's storytelling prowess and heartfelt connection to his experiences. The Chicago-flavored shuffle in "Don't Count Yourself Out" and the uplifting "Everybody's Buddy" add further dimensions to the sonic journey.
"Breathe Slow" brings the album to a close, exploring the theme of enduring a panic attack through the lens of a friend's experience. Clark's ability to infuse positivity into each composition is a testament to his resilience and unique perspective on life.
"Everybody's Buddy" is a departure from Clark's debut album, "Love Your Life: Songs for the Whole Family," revealing a more introspective and nuanced approach to songwriting. Nic Clark emerges as a young treasure in the blues, offering an upbeat attitude and a collection of tunes guaranteed to lift spirits and brighten moods. With heartfelt optimism and soulful performances, "Everybody's Buddy" cements Nic Clark's place as a noteworthy artist with a promising future in the blues landscape.
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