Bigger Than He Looks -- Teen Blues Star Jonny Lang May Be Young, But His Reputation In The Music Industry Is Full-Grown

------------------------------- CONCERT PREVIEW

Jonny Lang, Buddy Guy and Big Head Todd & the Monsters 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Summer Nights at the Pier, Pier 62 / 63, Seattle; sold out. -------------------------------

Forget the pageboy.

Jonny Lang has shorn his long blond locks and now sports a short, contemporary spiked-hair look, as befitting a modern 17-year-old.

But when the barefoot teen straps on a guitar and steps on stage to play and sing, you might think you're listening to a man two or three times his age.

The phenomenal young man plays blues guitar like a seasoned veteran. His chops are comparable to those of the masters, such as Buddy Guy, one of his opening acts and strongest supporters. Another fan is B.B. King, the greatest living bluesman, who has said that Lang is already "at the height that I've reached." King picked Lang to open for him on tour last year, and they played duets at every show.

King isn't the only superstar in Lang's corner. Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones personally asked Lang to open for the Stones at seven shows earlier this year, including multiple dates in Portland and Vancouver, B.C.

Steve Perry of Aerosmith got the kid to tour with the veteran band last year, which included a great performance at KeyArena. Lang canceled a Moore Theatre show here in January because of a bad cold. The two Pier shows will more than make up for it.

In addition to playing like an old bluesman, Lang has a naturally gravelly, mature singing voice that adds weight and texture to his aching blues songs, and makes the often adult-themed lyrics more believable.

Lang is an energetic performer who throws himself into his songs with gusto and passion. He squinches his eyes and throws his head back when he hits certain high notes, and his bare feet never seem to stop moving. In repose he has a teen idol quality, resembling a very young Brad Pitt. But in the heat of performance, Lang takes on a different look, like a man possessed. His intensity also makes him seem older than his years.

Lang's one major-label album, "Lie to Me" on A&M, has produced several hit singles (most notably the title tune) and sold more than a million copies. The Fargo, N.D., veteran, who started playing at age 13, previously released an independent album under the band name Kid Jonny Lang & the Big Bang.

That band was previously called Bad Medicine and was headed by Lang's guitar teacher, Ted Larsen. When the student (real name: Jon Langseth) surpassed the teacher, Larsen put him in the band and made him the star. Some members of Bad Medicine are still in Lang's backing band.

Lang recently cut a single with Guy, "Midnight Train," with the two trading guitar and vocal parts.

Guy, who turned 62 last month, is one of the most vital blues veterans. He keeps up with contemporary sounds, like rap and hip-hop, and incorporates elements of them into his playing.

His style encompasses many influences but remains true to his Chicago blues roots. He has his own club there, Legends, where he performs regularly and showcases young blues performers like Lang.

Guy is also a lively performer with seemingly limitless onstage energy. His intense picking is matched in intensity by his tortured vocals, and he is always backed by a talented band.

Big Head Todd & the Monsters may seem incongruous on a blues bill, but the adventuresome, fun-loving rock band is a particular favorite of Lang's. It was the first band to tap him as opening act on a national tour, shortly after the release of his album. The two bands have remained friendly ever since.

Lang's two sold-out shows will close out the Summer Nights at the Pier series on the Seattle waterfront.