Through his years spent touring and recording with artists such as Terry Baucom, James King, and Dave Adkins, Easley, South Carolina native, Will Clark has carved out a successful career as a sideman in bluegrass music. Outside of that though, he has recorded several projects that place him front and center. Clark’s latest, Carolina Lightning, his third solo outing and his first release on Mountain Fever Records.
The recording opens with the title track, Carolina Lightning. Written by Mark Brinkman and Nathan Arnett, this piece about one’s lover slipping away is a perfect fit for Clark. His vocal delivery conveys the story of the song so perfectly. Along with Will Clark on mandolin and vocals, his core cast of backing musicians consists of Chevy Watson on guitar and harmony vocals, Gavin Stinson on bass and harmony vocals, and Ron Stewart on fiddle. Although Jason Davis provides the bulk of the banjo work on the project, Kyle Dodson is heard playing the five string on this particular track.
Lost in Austin by Greg Preece is a swingy song that tells of one’s failed attempt to break into the Austin, Texas music scene. Will’s mandolin work truly stands out here, as does Randy Kohrs’ resophonic guitar playing.
A Different Kind of Lonesome was a song first heard by Will during his time with Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive. Written by Tim Stafford and Mark Bumgarner, it had initially been pitched to Clark’s former boss man for what would be his final album, Here in the Country. While it didn’t make it onto that recording, Clark had always kept that song in the back of his mind, ultimately rendering it here as a tribute to the late banjo legend. Baucom’s influence comes through loud and strong in every bit of Jason Davis’ playing on this track.
Battle of Blair Mountain by Mark Brinkman and Mike Evans is a historically-oriented song that tells the gruesome tale fought in 1921 between Logan County, West Virginia coal miners and local authorities, with their goal of ultimately being able to unionize. This track is another excellent example of Clark’s ability to deliver a story through song.
On My Way Back To You and Big City are Will’s interpretations of songs recorded by a couple of his influences. The former is an aggressive, breakneck speed number that was originally recorded by Mountain Heart on their 2002 album, No Other Way, while the latter is a mid-tempo song that had been a country hit for Merle Haggard in 1982.
Carolina Lightning displays multiple sides of Will Clark. While he can masterfully play hard hitting, traditional bluegrass, there’s also a level of sensitivity in how he delivers the stories found within the song’s lyrics. With each of those qualities, one can’t help but be captivated by what Will Clark brings to the table.
