The first time Gary Clark Jr. walked past Radio City Music Hall, he fantasized about having his name on the marquee in front of the venerable 6000-seat venue.

Clark’s breakthrough single “Bright Lights,” the lyrics of which boast “you’re gonna know my name,” is set in New York, so conquering this town as a metaphor for success is deeply rooted for the artist who first drew attention playing Austin clubs as a high school student.

Last month, the Radio City dream came true for the 40-year-old musician, and on the afternoon of the show, I sat down with Gary backstage where the Rockettes check their appearance before performing.

Gary spoke about his time living in New York and the haunts he inhabited. He discussed how he imagines cinematic scenarios to drive his guitar solos and on hanging out with Stevie Wonder and George Clinton.

The most surprising thing that Clark said in our conversation was that he considered not playing any guitar at all on his album of this year, JPEG RAW. As an accomplished singer, multi-instrumentalist, and arranger, Clark may get a little frustrated when people focus only on his virtuosity on guitar but — despite that being the case — he delivered some of the most compelling and commanding leads of his career on the new record.

Photo Credit: Nick D’Agostino

It was a brilliant week at WFUV radio where a pair of Juniors – both amazing guitar players – stopped by for conversations with me and to lay down live versions of songs found on recently released albums.  Follow the links to hear the chats and enjoy video of the performances.

To say Gary Clark Jr. has had a wild run since the last time he visited our Bronx studios (in December of 2011) would be an understatement. The Austin native – now living in Los Angeles – been on an epic rocket ride that has included playing for President Obama, jamming with Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones, and winning a Grammy for best traditional R&B performance.  The category is significant as the new album, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim, contains a gumbo with generous parts R&B and a pinch of gospel mixed with the blues-wailing rock guitar that (with songs like Bright Lights) initially earned him his reputation.  Clark isn’t interested in being a guitar hero or living up to someone else’s idea of a bluesman; he’s an artist who is following his own creative impulses and creating extraordinary recordings.  Get to know the man and his music better in this interview shown above.

To understand Albert Hammond Jr. you have to read between the lines.  He’s not going to spell things out with his lyrics or his remarks in conversation.  It’s been 14 years since The Strokes’ initial recordings made them the most acclaimed New York City rock band since The Velvet Underground.  The Strokes are still extant but at the moment, the artist is the son of the singer/songwriter/producer Albert Hammond whose hits included It Never Rains in Southern California, is looking to establish himself as a bona fide solo artist and he’s made a convincing case with his new album Momentary Masters. In this FUV Live session with Albert Hammond Jr., he led his band, including a pair of other guitarists as well as a rhythm section, through a tight, focused session in studio A and gave some insight into his music and himself without giving too much away.

…you know, the ones I saw!

1 Dinosaur Jr; Irving Plaza
2 Metallica; Apollo
3 Robert Plant; Prospect Park
4 Erykah Badu; BAM
5 Elvis Costello & The Roots; Brooklyn Bowl
6 The Hives; Irving Plaza
7 Tom Morello; Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Allen Room
8 Television; Rough Trade NYC
9 Charles Bradley; Apollo
10 Gary Clark Jr; Apollo