As the 17-year-old prepares to host a Grand Rapids CD-release show Thursday, Kershaw shares his favorite, most influential tunes, from John Mayer to Cream. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Must-See Blues Power: Tommy Castro shows up twice on Jake Kershaw’s Top 10 roster of songs. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
Although not exactly an overnight sensation, guitar-playing teenager Jake Kershaw has created some pretty big waves across West Michigan the past six months.
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Jake Kershaw (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
Not only has the 17-year-old Marshall High School junior’s jaw-dropping musicianship earned accolades online from thousands of blues-rock devotees, but he’s wowed crowds at events ranging from WLAV’s Summertime Blues Series to Local Spins’ 5th Anniversary Party, and just earned an opening slot for award-winning blues powerhouse Tab Benoit’s Dec. 8 tour stop at Kalamazoo’s State Theatre.
Perhaps most important, he’s just released his debut album, “Piece of My Mind,” to widespread praise, and will stage a Grand Rapids album-release show at The Stache inside The Intersection at 7 p.m. Thursday. Conrad Shock + The Noise (and special guest Josh Worsham) will open the show. Get tickets, $10, online here or at the door.
With so much attention focused on this guitar prodigy, Local Spins asked Kershaw to concoct a Top 10 playlist of his favorite songs. It’s a roster of tracks that displays this young musician’s keen ear for compelling, influential artistry, both new and classic.
THE LOCAL SPINS GUEST PLAYLIST: JAKE KERSHAW
1. “Gravity,” John Mayer (from 2006’s “Continuum”) – This song has a very soulful feel to it and is just a feel-good song. Whenever I want to relax, I play this track.
2. “Signs,” Jonny Lang (from 2017’s “Signs”) – Jonny’s newest record is one of my favorites of all time as every single track is absolutely outstanding. The title track “Signs” is extremely powerful with Jonny’s soaring vocals and is also super catchy.
3. “White Room,” Cream (from 1968’s “Wheels of Fire”) – A raw example of some of the best music to come out of the ’60s. The chorus has an amazing melody line.
4. “Medicine,” Tab Benoit (from 2011’s “Medicine”) – A great groove for a slow blues tune. A heavy bayou influenced song that blends Tab’s amazing voice and striking guitar playing.
5. “Common Ground,” Tommy Castro (from 2015’s “Method to My Madness”) – This song has a great message and a great hook. Tommy is a must-see for all blues fans.
6. “Vultures,” John Mayer (from 2006’s “Continuum”) – A great example of John Mayer’s genius as a songwriter. Its simple melody line and meaningful lyrics really speak to me.
7. “For My Friends,” Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa (from 2014’s “Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa Live in Amsterdam”) – I love anything with Joe but this is one of my favorites because of its groovy and powerful feel. The guitar solo is stellar as well.
8. “Angel of Mercy,” Jonny Lang (from 1998’s “Wander This World”) – One of my favorite songs of all time. The most lowdown, dirty, greasy, groovy song you will ever hear.
9. “Sir Duke,” Stevie Wonder (from 1976’s “Songs in The Key of Life”) – Stevie has always been a favorite of mine, but this song has my favorite instrumental and lyrical hook of any pop song I’ve heard. In my opinion, the horns really make the song.
10. “When I Cross The Mississippi,” Tommy Castro (from 2014’s “The Devil You Know”) – Two of my favorite artists came together (Castro and Benoit, plus guitarist Mark Karan) and laid down this amazing track. It’s a fantastic pick-me-up song.
JAKE KERSHAW: The Local Spins Guest Playlist on Spotify
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