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Gary Clark Jr. Live at the Beacon Theater
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Born in Austin, Texas and playing since age 12, Gary Clark Jr.’s command of the instrument is just about unequaled in this day and age of rock star posers. His style, a blend of blues, rock, soul and a wisp of hip-hop, is unique. It’s his brand as much as the Pharrell-size hats he wears.”
By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire Entertainment Critic
It takes a genius musician to get a guitar to do the talking for him. Gary Clark Jr. did that Saturday night at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Sure, he sang and bantered with the audience, but when he wanted to get a message across, his flaming red guitar did the talking. It had a lot to say to an audience that was constantly jumping out of their seats. Clark rocked the house and his fans responded.
The second he stepped on the stage with his imposing figure, Clark owned the audience. Standing 6’ 5” wearing boots and a wide-brimmed hat, he had the silhouette of a cowboy gunslinger. Only, instead of packing a Colt.45, he was holding a classic Fender Stratocaster guitar.
Born in Austin, Texas and playing since age 12, his command of the instrument is just about unequaled in this day and age of rock star posers. His style, a blend of blues, rock, soul and a wisp of hip-hop, is unique. It’s his brand as much as the Pharrell-size hats he wears.
Clark didn’t mess around. The first song he laid into was his signature stadium-rock tune, “Bright Lights.” Singing it like he was daring the audience to disagree, he growled: “Woke up in New York City, Lying on the floor. Just outside of Marcy’s – West 54 wow. You gonna know my name by the end of the night…”
The crowd stood up and rocked and swayed to the vibe he was sending full force. When he was through with the first verse and refrain, he dug into his guitar and made it wail like a siren warning a tornado was about to come through.
Clark’s regular voice has a Motown sound to it and his falsetto will remind many of Curtis Mayfield. Yet he’s singing songs they would never sing. That’s where his command of blues, rock and soul comes in handy and makes him versatile. “Bright Lights” is a pure rock anthem. Songs like “Church,” blend blues and gospel effortlessly: “Lord, my Lord I need your helpin’ hand. I’m in love with a woman who’s in love with a man. That I can’t be, it ain’t me.” Soul is most evident on tunes like “Star”: “…Some will try to shake you. And some will try to break you. Just know that I’ll be waiting.”
Clark is quick to pay respect to the greats who came before and shaped him: Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Albert King, Buddy Guy. And he should, as the echoes of their guitar licks are in his too. He’s modernized their sound in a way that makes it his own and also carries the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, Prince and Eric Clapton.
The songs he performed had themes centering around love, lost love, having a good time on payday… Clark’s lyrics turned to pure anger and outrage on the title song of his latest album by the same name, This Land.
The song was born after an incident in Kyle, Texas where he’d bought a 50-acre farm. A nosy neighbor questioned him about why he was on the land. That spawned a set of searing lyrics that sparked words like “..F— you, I’m America’s son. This is where I come from…” He corralled his reaction and emotion, harnessed it and let the music flow where it may.
“This Land” was the highlight of the night at the Beacon. Clark blasted the lyrics like a prophet warning the masses. His guitar yowled like a wolf ready to attack. Backed by a drummer, lead guitarist, bass player and keyboardist, who were as deft as any jazz musicians, the brother from Austin, Texas fulfilled what he promised at the beginning of the show. “You’re gonna know my name by the end of the night.” His coda was telling them that the land he owns is his and “… right in the middle of Trump Country…” God help anyone who questions what he’s accomplished or the possessions he has.
From rock guitar god to fiery protest singer, Gary Clark Jr. is on an international tour that’s flaunting his dexterity and setting music venues around the world on fire.
He walks softly but carries a big guitar.
Visit NNPA News Wire Entertainment Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com and BlackPressUSA.com.
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How to Use Credit Wisely
(NewsUSA) – As the holiday season approaches, more people are out shopping, searching crowded stores and online promotions for the best discounts, and using their credit cards to pay for it all. But beware the financial dangers of credit use — how you pay for these deals could safeguard your budget or lead to debt. […]
The post How to Use Credit Wisely first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional can help you guard against costly credit mistakes, paving the way for a financially sound festive season and beyond. Learn more about how to use credit in a way that works for you with the insights below.
Choose Your Credit Card Wisely
Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or purchasing necessities like groceries, the credit card you use can make a big difference. There are several factors to consider:
- Interest Rates. Rates generally run from 21-33%. The standard bank card charges at the low end of the range, and retailer credit cards (those typically with the store’s name on them) charge as much as 33%.
- Cash Back. Among the best deals are bank cards that offer cash back ranging from 1-4% of your purchase.
- Rewards Points. Some cards have rewards programs where you earn points that you can redeem for products or services. They may seem attractive but are worthwhile only if you’re actually interested in the rewards offered.
- Cash Discounts. While retailer credit cards have the highest rates, some offer big cash discounts at the point of purchase. That may be the only time they’re worth using.
Improving Your Credit Score
Boosting your credit score can help you qualify for the lowest available interest rates on auto loans, personal loans and mortgages. If you can, pay the full balance when your credit card bill arrives. But most importantly, never miss a payment. Paying on time not only avoids late fees, but also is a key factor in improving your credit score. The easy way to ensure timely payment is to set up automatic online payments.
A CFP® professional can help you develop other strategies to save money while improving your credit profile, including the following:
- Identifying which debt to pay down first.
- Switching to balance transfer cards that don’t charge interest for a year or longer.
- Converting high-interest debt with interest payments that are not tax-deductible to lower-interest debt whose interest payments are tax-deductible.
Establishing Credit
Lenders offer credit to people with a long and reliable credit history. Most young adults don’t have one. There are various ways to obtain credit, but steer clear of debit cards that claim they can help you build a credit history. When you consider the costs and requirements, they’re usually no bargain. You have better and cheaper options for establishing credit. Here are three of them:
- Get a secured credit card.
- If you have a student loan, make sure you’re up-to-date with payments.
- If you pay rent, ask your landlord to report your on-time payments to the credit bureaus.
The choices we make in managing credit can have a lasting impact on our financial journey. As you navigate the complex credit landscape, remember that CFP® professionals can offer tailored guidance for your unique circumstances. Whether it’s identifying strategic debt payments, exploring balance transfer options or establishing credit responsibly, a CFP® professional can provide a roadmap for achieving your financial goals. Find a CFP® professional today.
The post How to Use Credit Wisely first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
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Acura ZDX Type S features
LA Auto Show was the venus for the Acura ZDX Type S details.
The post Acura ZDX Type S features first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

LA Auto Show was the venus for the Acura ZDX Type S details.
The post Acura ZDX Type S features first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
#NNPA BlackPress
Subaru Forester exhibit LA Auto Show
LA Auto Show was the venue for the Subaru Forester. This was the most interesting display technologically.
The post Subaru Forester exhibit LA Auto Show first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

LA Auto Show was the venue for the Subaru Forester. This was the most interesting display technologically.
The post Subaru Forester exhibit LA Auto Show first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
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