Gary Clark Jr.

It must be said though that the spark tonight was created by support band Money For Rope. The young outfit from Melbourne emerged unknown to most. Thirty minutes later, their brand of hectic, psychedelic garage rock was seared in to the memory of a hugely appreciative crowd. Opening acts often find that we can be quite a difficult bunch to please here in Manchester, but the two drummers create a wonderful kinetic energy that the crowd responded to, and the anarchic keys perfectly compliment the brash Jim Morrison-esque attitude of frontman Jules McKenzie. Fundamentally, the band demonstrate a collective desire to have fun, and they turn in an incredibly dynamic performance, quickly becoming one of the most impressive opening acts in recent memory.
I was introduced to Gary Clark Jr. in the summer of 2013. Supporting The Rolling Stones during their victorious return to Hyde Park, he produced a notably authentic sound complimented by some blistering guitar work in front of 80,000 people. It proved to be one of the highlights of the day, prompting me to purchase the album 'Blak and Blu', released the previous year. The album is a heady concoction of genres, and the audacious guitar sound is present and correct but it just took me a while to 'get' it. In fact, only after seeing the show tonight have I really grasped how great this album is and how important Gary Clark Jr. may be for the future of rock and roll, blues, soul... music? We are given plenty of reminders about why 'Blak and Blu' is such a great album throughout the ninety minute set tonight, but we are also acquainted with Gary Clark Jr's. reference points which guide him. Covers of tracks such as 'Catfish Blues' by Robert Petway and '3 O'Clock Blues' by B.B King are performed with consummate skill as well as a considerable degree of cool, leaving us in no doubt that venerable figures such as these are the bench mark that he strives to achieve with his own material. The show tonight demonstrates evidence of this quality. The spirit of Chuck Berry resides in his rendition of 'Travis County' after which, we are informed that things are going to get a little crazy. He's referring to 'When My Train Pulls In'. The album version of this track runs in at almost eight minutes yet Gary Clark Jr. manages to almost double this with some searing solo work, performed with such nonchalant ease, it's almost annoying. His virtuosity on guitar certainly has very few parallels at present and on this track in particular, comparisons with Stevie Ray Vaughan certainly spring to mind. As well as being a performer blessed with exhilarating skill, he also delivers with such gracious charm during the show, engaging with the audience in an understated, modest manner throughout. Each track has a very distinctive sound created by a vast, colourful array of Gibson and Fender guitars and the volume tonight is earsplitting. The respite that tracks such as 'Please Come Home' and 'Things Are Changin' provide are gratefully received, but this is where the brilliance of the album, the gig and the artist may reside. Gary Clark Jr. is not a one trick pony. He's not a traditionalist, and the fusion of the multitude of sounds and influences evident here tonight should ensure that his output will never become monotonous. One hopes his next album fulfils this prophecy. Based on tonights performance it should be amazing.

Saturday 14th November. Electric Ballroom. Gary Clark Jr. It’s a sombre night tonight coming just 24 hours after the atrocities in Paris. We’re just normal people, gig goers coming out to see our favourite bands, have a good time and go home safely. The Bataclan is similar in size to the Electric Ballroom and I’d be lying if I didn’t have this in my mind when entering the venue. Ironically, Gary Clark was due to play the Bataclan after these London shows. But we can’t let terrorism win and the biggest act of solidarity we can give is to think about those that have lost but to continue leading our lives without compromise to these idiots

Tonight is the first of three sold out shows and with reference that some of the set tonight will have added poignancy because of the Paris shootings Clark launches into three of his best songs, ‘Bright Lights’ ,‘Aint Messin Around’ and ‘When my Train pulls in’. Thirty minutes of blistering blues guitar for these three classics.

Clark is a virtuoso guitarist and no matter what flavour of the blues you like he delivers, from Mississippi to Chicago to Texas and Hip Hop he’s at the top of his game. I don’t think I saw him look at his fret board once during the two hour set that flew by.

What strikes me is also the range of his voice and we shouldn’t forget that he is a fine singer as well as fine axeman. Clark is backed by a fine three piece band with a solid rhythm section driving the beat along and is ably supported by a second guitarist who must have the hardest job in the world to play second fiddle to Clark. But he carries it off with some impressive solos himself.

It’s difficult to pick a highlight as it’s a consistently excellent show but the opening thirty minutes will live long in the memory. It’s live where Clark excels and his studio albums do not do him any justice and all sound too controlled and safe.

The blues is certainly not dead and as is shown tonight and the next two there is a growing audience for the genre. Clark is leading the charge and the future is safe in his hands

Keep on rockin y’all

Talents like Gary Clark Jr. don't come along nearly enough. Musicians who are not only technically proficient but also can induce feeling as well and who have this ability to infuse all of their influences into something that is both recognizable and 100% unique and their own!

Honestly I could review his show at the Boston Pavilion (8-31-16) in one or two words that I uttered more than once while watching him perform:

DAAAAMN!!
HOLY CRAP!
SH*T HOT!

Gary Clark Jr. has that "thing" as well as his outstanding playing. Call it "presence" or "vibe" or "swagger" or just plain old "Rock Star Quality". What ever it is he has it and it makes it very difficult to ignore him on stage!

The easiest comparison (if I have to make one) to Mr. Clark and his equally fantastic Band would be the late great Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble. But, here is the thing. It's not that easy!
Though he can play those Southern Blues like nobodies business he will throw those off center influences in the mix that take you by surprise! There are the obvious like SRV, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Warren Haynes, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix and the like but then there will be a hint of Bob Marley and Prince all being held together with these dirty bombastic riffs that to my ears are reminiscent of Soungarden (just listen to the riff in "Numb" for example)!

I really can't recommend Gary Clark Jr. enough regardless of what type of music you like! Just do yourself a favor and get familiar with him quick because like He says in his song "Bright Lights"...

"You gonna know my name by the end of the night, yeah"

Gary Clark Jr. was one of the best shows I have ever seen! It was my first time ever being at Red Butte Garden and I was beyond pleased. I don't think that I could have had a better time anywhere else. The band that opened for Gary was called The Black Pistols and they blew us away. They rocked the stage and it was super entertaining. When Gary Clark Jr. came out I lost myself. I was in complete awe. Every single song gave me chills and watching him jam on that guitar made my heart pound. His voice is phenomenal and when he came back out and played my favorite track "You saved me." I just melted, that performance was epic and it's something I will always remember. It was my friend's first time ever seeing or hearing Gary Clark Jr. and he was completely impressed. I will see him every and any chance I get!

My 92 yr old mother bought me tickets for Gary's show and I went with my beautiful friend Johanne.
Sadly my mother was in palliative care in the hospital with cancer that night and since she bought me these tickets I felt I must go to the show to honor her.
Gary is a great guitarist and he said he had a list to play and he threw it out so he decided to change it up. He reminded me of Roy Buchanon at times. From blues, rythym and blues and his Prince vibe in his voice sometimes.
Great show, gave me a few hours to feel good. I needed a stress reliever that night. I thanked my mom yesterday when I saw her in the hospital.
Sadly my mother died 2 hours ago, 2 days after the show.
I will cherish my memories of the show because it was my mother who got me the tickets months ago.

It's a warm summer evening in Chicago, and Gary Clark Jr walks onto the stage. The crowd is average sized but continues to grow as the 9 to 5 crowd walks in from the loop. He casually begins his set of groove filled blues. The audience soaks it in. In a hectic world, a smooth groove puts your worries in the background. Clark moves seamlessly from song to song, through great riffs and expert solos. His band mates keep it going on drums, bass, and guitar. Before you know it, an hour had passed and his set is complete. You know it was a great set when he leaves you wanting more. And everyone wants more.

Saw GCJr last night at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver with my Mom. Superb show. Slayed from opener to extended encore. From silky Smokey Robinson to bluesy BB King to all out Jimi Hendrix, Gary showcased his range. Face melting guitar solo's and low down grimy blues, Clark had something for everyone. No complaints, the band played great, smooth base lines and smashing drums. Gary's effortless swagger had us screaming for more. 10/10 would recommend. Will definitely see again.

Amazing show! They did a lot plenty of jam sessions. Great vibe, even let a guy from the crowd play with his band which was awesome! High energy, would definitely recommend going to see him!!!

Set list:
- Bright Lights
- Ain’t Messin ‘Round
- When My Train Pulls In
- Hold On
- Travis County
- Our Love
- Numb
- Don’t Owe You a Thang
- BYOB
- Cold Blooded
- Shake
- Grinder
- Church
- The Healing
- Please Come Home
- Next Door Neighbor Blues

Attending his show at the Roseland, in Portland, was one of the best life decisions I have made. The Show was simply phenomenal. He played at 16 songs and extended all of them. For the encore he came out and did an acoustic session with a harmonica and even had the openers (baskery) sing along for a song. He truly left everything on the stage and played to the crowd. It was incredible. Definitely worth seeing again.

All I can say is "WOW". This concert blew me away. Great songs, music, energy and the light show was great. I have wanted to see him for many years and did I ever last night here in Phoenix. Not realizing this until Gary Clark Jr. said this on stage last night, "but back in 2002, my mom drove me here in phoenix when I was 19yrs, old I opened and played my first concert at "The Rhythm Room".