Gary Clark Jr. & honeyhoney October 22nd 2010

Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis

Producer’s Note:

This was the last scheduled Acoustic Session of the season and in true form it ended on a high note. The opening act was a tall, slender bluesman from Austin, Texas named Gary Clark Jr. He played his red Epiphone hollow body through a Fender VibroChamp amplifier, and he strapped a harmonica around his neck like the greats of yesteryear. The first song he played was “When The Sun Goes Down”, originally made a hit by Leroy Carr in 1935. Well, young Mr. Clark would have made Leroy proud with his mesmerizing rendition of this historical tune. My first impression was that Gary was a modern day Jimmy Reed, and by the end I still felt that way. Although along the twists and turns of his dynamic set, Gary showed us more then just blues covers.

After blasting through his second tune with the style and pulse of John Lee Hooker, he showed us a playful and soulful side by singing a more contemporary R&B track which showcased his vocal talent. A request, “Bright Lights, Big City” was the last song he chose to play, and although Jimmy Reed had a song of the same title, this one was clearly Gary’s own. More than just a bluesman, Gary Clark Jr. is poised to take the world by storm, and honestly I can’t wait for his time to come. I joked with him before the set that I would take a drink every time he made a mistake. He responded by letting me know I’d be drunk, but he was wrong. I never even took a sip. Cheers to you Gary. (Listen to “When The Sun Goes Down” on the player to your right).

honeyhoney was the headliner on this glorious October evening, harvest moon full in the night sky. The energy was high and the crowd was thirsty for stimulation. Suzanne and Ben did their job and provided a heart pounding, tear welling set of emotionally charged tunes that treated the audience to the release they needed. The instrumentation was like nothing we had yet to experience at the Acoustic Sessions. Ben sat and alternated between acoustic and electric guitar while he thumped a kick drum with his right foot and a tambourine with his left, all the while singing perfect harmonies. Suzanne danced around while letting her effortless voice soar and alternating between plucking a mean banjo and playing a fiery fiddle.

Let’s just say these two performers create a very unique live experience that one needs to witness to believe. “My Old Friends” was a great story song that had the audience captivated by the inherent honesty and the brilliant musicianship reminiscent of dueling banjos. And on “Back To You” the foot stomping was unleashed with a fervent sermon about what comes around goes around. Again the guitar and banjo playing on this tune were phenomenal, and the breakdown in the middle of the song had the crowd howling at the full moon. The set was perfectly sculpted, and the songs lived together in a world of balance and inspiration. As far as I’m concerned, HoneyHoney is a must see, even if you don’t like this style of music, you will be moved. (Listen to “My Old Friends” and “Back To You” on the player to your right).


- Evan Brau

Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis October 22 2010 @ 7:30 - 9PM

Event Date: Friday, October 22nd, 2010 @ 7:30PM - 9PM

Address: 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Hotel location: Villa Pool (By RESTAURANT)
Valet parking $10 with validation

Featuring: Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder, honeyhoney and Gary Clark Jr.

7:30PM Doors
8:00PM – Brandon and Leah
8:30PM – Gary Clark Jr
9:00PM  - honeyhoney 
 

Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder, honeyhoney and Gary Clark Jr October 22nd 2010

Acoustic Sessions at The Sunset Marquis

Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder:
Malibu natives, Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder have been playing music together almost all their lives. Between Leah's soulful vocals and Brandon's rhythmic guitar works, a truly unique sound has been born. Their incredible feel is equally matched by the quality of their songs. Brandon and Leah were heavily recognized at the Los Angeles Music Awards winning numerous awards for their live performances including Leah for "Front Person of the Year." Their infectious music caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records to which they are currently signed and making their first record.


honeyhoney:
1. What is your musical background?
Suzanne: I learned how to sing from musical theater, obsessing over Mariah Carey and Disney cartoon movie soundtracks that came out when I was a kid. I sang "Part Of Your World" as my fifth grade choir solo... I wore a fin. I also started playing the violin when I was ten and sucked pretty bad.

Ben: I also played violin when I was little. I sucked too but maybe all little kids suck. After violin I picked up the drums and started playing jazz for a while. Soon I realized that no one liked jazz except me, so I started playing guitar and writing songs. I am proud to say I've never worn a costume while performing.
2.Where are you from?
Suzanne: I'm from Strongsville Ohio.
Ben: I'm from New York and Massachusetts.

Gary Clark Jr.: 
Gary Clark Jr. began playing guitar at the ripe young age of 12. Born and raised in Austin, TX, Gary continued to play small gigs through his early teens until one day he was noticed by the legendary Clifford Antone, owner of the notable Austin blues club Antone's. Through the connections made by Clifford within his club, Gary soon was sitting in and learning from various musical icons, including the incomparable Jimmie Vaughan. Through the mentoring of Jimmie and others within the Austin music community, Gary began to receive much critical acclaim from both his musical peers and the Austin community as a whole.. At one point, the mayor of Austin proclaimed May 3, 2001 Gary Clark Jr. Day.

Gary went on to win the Austin Music Award for Best Blues and Electric Guitarist on three separate occasions, as well as awards from Blues magazines and associations throughout the country. After playing the nationally televised Austin City Limits and touring with the likes of artists such as Jimmie Vaughan, Pinetop Perkins, and Doyle Bramhall, he continued his performance career by releasing three self-produced albums and scoring the major motion picture "Full Count." He also starred in a principal role in the John Sayles film "Honeydripper" alongside distinguished actors such as Danny Glover and Stacey Keach. Gary is currently in the final stages of completing his fourth full length release album, as well as looking forward to playing the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival hosted by Eric Clapton.