Since the beginning of the newest musical competition from the creators of the hit show American Idol, The Next Great American Band - judged by Goo Goo Doll John Rzeznik, percussion queen Sheila E., and industry veteran/Australian Idol judge Ian "Dicko" Dickson - The Clark Brothers were always in my top 3, but rapidly became my #1. They aren't your typical pop-punk-eyeliner-wearing-shitty-song-"singing"-image-conscious band of today's contemporary market; they are three brothers from a tight-knit traveling musical family, who live and breathe music, and grew up on religion, bluegrass, and good ol' country living.
We saw every band mirroring what is accepted today leaving the show week after week - but Ashley, Adam, and Austin Clark stayed and made it to the top 3. They have something special and unique that no one else does, have more than proven it to America, and showed them what really warrants commercial success. They bring a universal appeal to their music.
From day 1 they brought personality, musicality, passion, and - more than anything - conviction to the stage. It doesn't matter what song they're performing, they make it their own. They make you feel every single note that emanates from their guitar, dobro, mandolin, or fiddle, and every single word sung, especially by front man Ashley Clark, while holding onto a solid rhythm sans a drummer or bassist. When they covered Rod Stewart's "You're In My Heart" they brought Sheila E. to tears, so much so, that she had trouble speaking. Rzeznik told them at the end of this past Friday's episode, that he doesn't think "anyone deserves to win this contest more," and even Dicko called Ashley "the best front person" in the competition, and a "reluctant rockstar." They have been the only band to get great reviews clear across the board, 99% of the time.
Next week we find out their fate. They are my pick for the Next Great American Band, but even if America doesn't agree, I see immediate success in their future no matter what.
TOP 3
Rod Stewart's "You're In My Heart"
Queen's "These Are The Days Of Our Lives"
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