The atmosphere was electric this past weekend as fans gathered at The Met in Philadelphia, eagerly anticipating a night of soulful music and a dynamic performance by the one and only Gary Clark Jr. The current tour is in support of his latest release “JPEG Raw”, his first studio album in nearly five years.
Excitement buzzed through the air, mingling with the scent of popcorn and the faint murmur of conversations as concertgoers settled into their seats, eagerly awaiting the moment when the music would begin.
As Clark and his musical entourage took the stage the unmistakable sound of a guitar riff pierced the air, he wasted no time launching into his first song, “Maktub,” his fingers flying effortlessly over the strings of his guitar.
From the moment he began to play, it was clear that this would be no ordinary concert. Clark's raw talent and undeniable charisma commanded the attention of every person in the room, drawing them in with each soulful note and impassioned lyric. Backed by a tight-knit band that seemed to move as one with him, he effortlessly transitioned from bluesy anthems to soulful R&B ballads, highlighting the full range of his musical prowess.
With each song, Clark transported the audience to another world, his music serving as a powerful conduit for emotion and expression. Whether he was crooning a heartfelt ballad or tearing through a blistering guitar solo, there was an undeniable sense of authenticity and honesty in his performance that resonated deeply with everyone lucky enough to be in attendance.
But it wasn't just Clark's musical talent that captivated the crowd, it was also his infectious energy and magnetic stage presence. He moved across the stage with a confidence and swagger that was impossible to ignore, effortlessly connecting with his audience and drawing them into the moment with him. It was as if he were speaking directly to each person in the room, sharing his stories and experiences through the universal language of music.
As the night wore on, the intensity only seemed to grow, with each song building upon the last to create a crescendo of sound and emotion that filled the room to its very rafters. By the time Clark launched into his final encore, “Funk Witch U” the crowd was on their feet, cheering and clapping in a frenzy of excitement and appreciation.
As the last notes of the concert faded away, the audience was left buzzing with excitement, their hearts full and their spirits uplifted by the incredible experience they had just shared. For those lucky enough to have been there, it was a night filled with the magic of live music and the undeniable talent of one of the greatest artists of our time.
Setlist:
Maktub
When My Train Pulls In
Hyperwave
JPEG RAW
This Is Who We Are
The Healing
To the End of the Earth
Alone Together
Feed the Babies
What About the Children
Triumph
Our Love
Bright Lights
Habits
Encore:
You Saved Me
Funk Witch U
Next Stops on Gary Clark Jr. Tour 2024
June 11 – Radio City Music Hall, NYC
June 12 – Stone Phone Summer Stage, Asbury Park NJ
June 13 – Rad Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh NC
June 14 – Bonnaroo Music Festival, Manchester TN
Review and Photography by: Craig Eidell