Gary Clark Jr. must be experienced live, period. The Austin, Texas musician, often compared to guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, is infamous for his electrifying shows, and if he is playing anywhere near where you currently reside, go see him. With that said, here is Live / North America 2016, the album that documents the Texan's 2016 tour. Put this album on, and you'll immediately be transported to one of Clark's thunderous shows. He elegantly blends blues, soul, hip-hop and rock, and his earnest songwriting, filtered through his wide vocal range, provides clear clues as to why he is nicknamed "The Chosen One." Oh, and there are the explosive guitar solos; watch how he opens up and reacts to the live elements, something that's different from his studio recordings. The song to check out here is "When My Train Pulls In" (remember him performing the song during a scene in Jon Favreau's Chef?), but also don't miss "The Healing," "Cold Blooded," "Our Love," and "Down to Ride."

• limited edition pink vinyl
• part of "Ten Bands One Cause" breast cancer awareness series
• music label: Warner Bros. 2017

reviewed by nakaveli 10/2017