It had been five years since Austin, TX-based Gary Clark Jr. released new music, but this March, he released an album of new songs called JPEG Raw. He developed the new material while quarantining alone in the studio and described the album as a showcase of his “ever-expanding creative palate.” The tracks for the new album were recorded with a full band, and Clark Jr. hit the road this May to show off the new songs. They explore his influences beyond the blues, rock, and soul that fans have come to expect from him. Clark Jr. and his touring band performed several new tracks during his show at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday night, August 21, 2024. His fans warmly received the new material and were treated to excellent versions of a few of his established hits.
The War and Treaty opened the show and revived the Hollywood Bowl audience with foot-stomping gospel, soul, and blues rock music. The married couple, Tanya and Michael Trotter Jr. are the heart of the band. Each had a golden, powerful voice that they used to harmonize magnificently when not singing individually. They got the audience involved during “Are You Ready,” as Tanya encouraged the ladies in the crowd to sing along with her verses while Michael got the men to back his vocals. Later, during a medley, Tanya did an impressive but disappointingly brief version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” Michael followed with an equally inspired version of Otis Redding’s “Sitting On The Dock of the Bay.”
After a short break, the stage lighting became a muted orange with a mysterious glow as an offstage smoke machine filled the air. Gary Clark Jr. and his band took over the famous stage for the headlining set. Dayne Reliford on keys, King Zapata on guitar, JJ Johnson on drums and Elijah Ford on bass joined Clark Jr. onstage. Clark Jr.’s blistering guitar riffs and incredible vocal range dominated the show. The lighting effects creatively matched the mood of the songs, varied from slow, soulful ballads to up-tempo, blues rock with elements of traditional African music, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop thrown in. However, the lighting engineer could have done a better job spotlighting Clark Jr. as his wide-brimmed hat often prevented the back and overhead lighting from illuminating his facial features.
Fortunately, the sound quality was excellent as the Hollywood Bowl was filled with clear and loud music. Under the cloak of that orange lighting, Clark Jr. did a haunting guitar intro to “Maktub,” the opening track from the new album. The pace quickened and the song segued into “When My Train Pulls In,” one of his earliest hits off his debut album. Second guitarist King Zapata played a scorching solo, then gave way to Clark Jr., who built his solo from a quiet simmer to a boiling cauldron of notes. “JPEG Raw,” the hip-hop-inflected title track from the new album, followed and got a solid ovation from the crowd. Then Clark Jr. introduced Naala, an Austin-based Alt Pop singer who recorded “This Is Who We Are” with Clark Jr. for the new album. Naala and Clark Jr.’s vocals on the song were backed by Clark Jr.’s three sisters, Shawn, Savannah, and Shanan, who helped with harmonies during the entire set.
Jazz trumpeter Keyon Harrold was the next guest. He came out to help with “Alone Together,” a song that featured his horn playing on the new album. Clark Jr. showed off his falsetto as he alternated with Harrold, who blasted his muted trumpet on the ballad. Once Harrold departed, Clark Jr. gazed upon the big Hollywood Bowl crowd and said, “I realize how truly special it is to be here.” He then launched into ‘Our Love” an older ballad that featured his passionate vocals and a slow, distorted guitar solo.
“What About The Children” had the distinctive vibe of Stevie Wonder, who co-wrote it and sang on the track for the new album. Unfortunately Wonder did not make a surprise appearance for the performance of the song. Instead, Clark Jr. and the band did an excellent version of the funky, pop and soul track. Clark Jr. channeled his inner “Wonder” and killed it, both vocally and with his guitar solo. The hypnotic, catchy rhythms of “Bright Lights” followed as Clark Jr. sang superbly, King Zapata blasted another searing solo, and Clark Jr. closed it out with yet another creative, distorted, blues-based solo.
The show ended with the last song from the new album called “Habits.” It started with Clark Jr. quietly playing his simply amplified guitar alone and singing the pretty, soulful ballad. His sisters’ backing vocals and the rest of the band joined in as the song transitioned with a louder, distorted guitar riff. Clark and his sisters continued to harmonize as the song wound through quiet and loud stretches, highlighted by Clark Jr.’s scintillating guitar notes, before finally concluding.
Live photos courtesy of Andy J. Gordon ©2024
