Carolina Lightning

Will Clark grew up in the mountain foothills of South Carolina, where he was introduced to bluegrass by attending local jams. He soon became fond of the sound of the mandolin and took it to be his favorite instrument. His professional career began in 2012 when he joined the James King Band, and in 2019 switched over to the Dave Akins Band. Prior to forming his own band, he spent time as a member of Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive until Baucom’s passing in 2023. Now he has released this new project of songs from a variety of sources covering life’s ups and downs and featuring good vocals, harmonies, and great instrumentation.

  The project includes Will Clark (mandolin, vocals), Chevy Watson (guitar, vocals), Gavin Stinson (bass, vocals), Jason Davis (banjo), and Ron Stewart (fiddle). The title cut, “Carolina Lightning,” with guest Kyle Dodson on banjo, was written by Mark Brinkman, and it was this song that inspired Clark to put together this really nice project. Other Brinkman songs included are “Battle Of Blair Mountain” and “Another Road.” Other selections include “Lost In Austin” (Preece), “My Name Is Death” (Baker), “On My Way Back To You” (Johnson), “Poor Rich Man” (Chambers), “Black Water” (Norton), “These Chains” (Ward), “A Different Kind Of Lonesome” (Stafford), and “Big City” (Haggard).

This is a very good new project from Clark, who has a very, very nice voice. The musicians are also very good, and the arrangements include both ballads and up-tempo presentations. Look for more good music from Will Clark.