JPEG RAW
JPEG RAW continues Gary Clark Jr.’s move beyond the narrow idea of a blues guitar record. Rock, soul, funk and hip-hop all have a place, with the instruments and voices arranged as parts of a larger sound. There is still plenty of force in the playing. The difference is how often Clark uses it to support a groove, a vocal or a change in mood.
“Maktub” gives the album a strong opening, pairing a fuzzy guitar part with a firm beat. The title track moves further towards hip-hop while keeping blues guitar inside the arrangement. The changes in style feel like parts of the same musical approach rather than separate attempts to try on different identities.
The guests help develop that range. Valerie June brings another voice to “Don’t Start”, which keeps a rough blues character. Keyon Harrold adds trumpet to the soulful “Alone Together”, giving the song a softer surface without making it weightless. These contributions have clear roles in the music.
Stevie Wonder’s appearance on “What About the Children” also makes sense within the record’s mix of styles. George Clinton is similarly well placed on the funkier “Funk Witch U”. Clark does not disappear beside those names. His guitar, voice and attention to the arrangements keep the album connected to his own work.
There are moments when the range becomes a demand on the listener. The record has plenty of ideas, but it does not always give them an equally clear lyrical focus. That matters less when the grooves and performances are as strong as they are here, though the album is easier to admire in parts than to take in all at once.
The closing “Habits” offers a more stripped-back setting over an extended running time. It changes the scale after the busier collaborations and gives the record a more personal finish. JPEG RAW is most rewarding when Clark makes his different influences work towards one song. He does that often enough to make this a confident, varied addition to his catalogue.
