Gary Clark Jr w/ Suzanne Santo
Chateau Ste Michelle, Woodinville, WA
08.14.24
Gary Clark Jr is an exceptional, and rare, talent. His guitar virtuosity is known in every corner of the world, and as his career has progressed in grown, his Blues-laden vocals have expanded to match. In support of his newly released album, JPEG RAW, Clark returned to Chateau Ste Michelle on Wednesday, August 14th, for a two hour headlining set that showcased his unrivaled talent and magnetic stage presence, and reinforced his status as one of modern music’s most dynamic performers.
Clark’s set a year ago, in July of 2023, set the bar by which every concert for the rest of the year would be measured. It seemed impossible to improve upon, yet somehow, he managed to raise the bar yet again. The vocals more dynamic, the guitar work somehow even more dialed in, the highly talented backing band even more united.
Kicking off the set with “Maktub,” the opener from his stunning March release, JPEG RAW, Clark set the tone for the night with his signature fiery guitar riffs and gravelly vocals. The song, as with much of Clark’s cannon, is characterized by its raw energy and intricate solos. It immediately established the high-octane vibe that would define the evening. His focused engagement with the audience was genuine and authentic and provided another depth of connection for the music for the night.
The setlist seamlessly blended new material with classic hits, allowing fans to experience the breadth of Clark’s discography, pulling tracks from Black and Blu, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim, GC Jr., and This Land. From “This is Who We Are” to “Alone Together,” the anthemic “Bright Lights” to the Stevie Wonder assisted “What About the Children,” the balance of powerful, soul-stirring ballads to electrifying blues-rock anthems kept everyone enthralled.
Perhaps the standout moment of the evening was the extended jam session of the stunning, beautiful, haunting, and hopeful album closer “Habits.” On record, the song is flawless. Hearing it live gives it new meaning, the live setting affording it space to expand and breathe into something greater, reaching elevated emotional depth.
Clark’s stage presence is larger than life, and his backing band matches him perfectly on every guitar riff, vocal harmony, and rhythmic adaptation, propelling the show forward with a fire that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The concert wasn’t just a showcase of Clark’s new album but a celebration of his artistic journey. The inclusion of five tracks from JPEG RAW revealed a maturation in Clark’s sound while maintaining the emotional intensity that fans have come to love. The album’s themes of introspection and resilience, looking into the mirror and reconciling who you were with who you are, who you are with who you could be, resonated deeply in the live setting, bringing a new dimension to the music.
Gary Clark Jr.’s rapid ascent into the stratosphere of the most dynamic, captivating live performers on the planet continues at breakneck speed. It’s impossible to imagine how he can again raise the bar, though he undeniably will. You owe it to yourself to bear witness.
Photos and Review by Sattva Photo
