Who is Cranston Clements?
With a career spanning forty years, Cranston Clements has performed literally thousands of gigs, having toured world-wide and recorded with a long list of renowned performers. Being a native New Orleanian has afforded him the opportunity to work with many of the city's premier artists. His resumé includes the likes of Cyril Neville, Dr. John, Johnny Adams, Wayne Cochran & the C. C. Riders, Marva Wright, Stanton Moore, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur, Allan Toussaint, the Dixie Cups, the Neville Brothers, Mighty Sam McClain, Joe Clay, Irma Thomas among many others. He has also partnered in original projects including Twangorama, the Rockabyes, the Clements Brothers, Sexdog, and the New Orleans Guitar Quartet, to which he has contributed numerous original songs and arrangements.
In 2014 he had the great pleasure to record and subsequently tour with Cyril Neville. In addition to playing guitar on Cyril's outstanding solo record "Magic Honey" he co-wrote one of the songs with Cyril, "Blues Is The Truth".
Despite the constant demand for gigs and sessions, Clements' passion for composing and songwriting has never let up. "What's The Rush?" reflects a primary devotion to the cornerstones of his playing in general: melody and substance. His twin sons Austin & Tyler Clements, featured on three tracks (on bass and drums respectively), contribute standout performances. Clements also unveils a number of solo guitar originals that reveal his introspective side as well as his deep love of traditional finger-style guitar. In addition to the unadorned tracks, Clements takes advantage of his compositional and arranging skills to create some evocative layering of guitars and orchestral elements on the five ensemble pieces.
As one of the most sought-after guitarists in the area he has proven his worth to others in countless situations with a vast range of styles and demands; as a composer and performer of his OWN music he steps forth clearly as an artist deserving individual recognition. "What's The Rush?" is the culmination of a lifelong devotion to music; don't miss it!!!