The only thing growing faster than Gary Clark Jr.’s acclaim -- among fans, critics and iconic musicians alike -- is the scope of his talents and tastes.

But nothing you have seen, heard or read can prepare you for the power and scope of his debut album, Blak and Blu. Not the buzz from his Run-The-House tour through the 2012 festival season which included Coachella, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Bonnaroo, Metallica’s Orion Fest, and Lollapalooza, to Jay Z’s Made in America Festival (the only artist invited to play both nights) and continuing through the upcoming Neil Young curated Bridge School Benefit, Austin City Limits gathering and NOLA’s Voodoo Fest.

Not his collaborations, in the studio and on stage, with Nas, Alicia Keys, the Roots and Eric Clapton nor the ear-bending, cross-format embrace of his tour-de-force debut Bright Lights EP can prepare you. Even his one-to-watch appearance at the White House command performance for the Obamas alongside Mick Jagger, B.B. King, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy -- prompting the Music Fan-in-Chief to remark, “He’s the future.”