Nic Clark — “Everybody’s Buddy” — Little Village Foundation
It’s not hard to describe Nic Clark’s second album, “Everybody’s Buddy,” in a word: joyous.
On this album of 11 finely crafted personal tunes and one cover, the versatile singer, songwriter, guitarist and harpmeister demonstrates an ability to turn life’s (mostly his own) hard knocks into soft-spoken melodies of encouragement.
“Laughing In the Rain” opens the session with a bright harp intro to an optimistic little shuffle that’s very appropriately described by its title. That’s followed by “I’ll Be Alright,” and those two cuts speak nicely to the philosophy of the entire album. The title track “Everybody’s Buddy” is another upbeat track that adds to that spirit
“Try To Understand” is such an infectious lyric and melody, it’s hard to believe it has its origins in two car wrecks when he was 21 and 23 years old. The bluesy “Good Advice” is the only cover here, written by J.B. Lenoir, and performed by Clark as a tribute to his own grandmother for her life-changing advice.
On the one song that deviates from the rest of the mood, the harmonica-led, dirge-like “How I Met the Blues,” is a somber song he wrote on the unexpected death of his 13-year-old cousin. Clark was just 11 when he wrote this emotional tribute.
The rest of the album, however, is filled with upbeat ideas, emphasized by Clark’s thoughtfully casual delivery — unhurried in melody, but urgent in its emotions.
“I know how terrible and sad life can be, and these songs are trying to get you out of these moments when you think everything is hopeless,” Clark says.
And it’s quite likely that even if your life is not sad and terrible, Clark’s infectiously optimistic music will lift your spirits.
A live version of “Everybody’s Buddy”:
Tracks:
01. Laughing At The Rain
02. I’ll Be Alright
03. Try To Understand
04. Good Advice
05. Hurricane
06. She’s A Fighter
07. Don’t Count On Yourself
08. Anxiety Blues
09. How I Met The Blues
10. Flying Blind
11. Everybody’s Buddy
12. Breathe Slow