Once Gary Clark Jr. sauntered onto stage at The Factory in Chesterfield, MO Thursday night, all eyes were on this musician who not only impresses by his mastery of blues/rock guitar but his aura fills the room and, with nary a word, he easily commands rapt attention from every person at the venue. On the seventh night of Clark’s JPEG RAW tour supporting the March release of his sixth studio album with the same name, this Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist knows how to put on a not-to-be-missed performance and his stop in St. Louis County was no exception.
Supported by a notable cast of musicians and backup vocalists, Clark and crew easily vibed together to bring familiar favorites such as the driving, laid-back “When My Train Pulls In” and the sultry, “Bright Lights.” They also filled the air beyond the blues melded with rock that has been Clark’s staple by showcasing several new and exciting songs from JPEG RAW that bring in slices of improv jazz, fuzzy guitar, hip hop, and more on such songs as “Hyperwave” and “Maktub.”
Clark’s searing guitar solos made more than one appearance to the great delight of the crowd.
Forth Worth’s Abraham Alexander opened the night with his acoustic guitar standing under a single bright white beam. The crowd learned Alexander was born in Greece and his family moved to Texas when he was 11. Family tragedy and a sidelined sports career put Alexander on the path to music and a chance encounter with Leon Bridges cemented it even further. Alexander shared his complete joy in opening for his hero, Gary Clark Jr. His 30-minute set included his gentle, soulful rock songs “Tears Run Dry” and “Stay” as well as a cover of Chris Isaac’s “Wicked Game.”
The night, filled with love and respect flowing back and forth between musicians and fans felt triumphant.
Find more photos here: https://bit.ly/GaryClarkJr24cz
Gary Clark Jr.’s setlist https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/gary-clark-jr/2024/the-factory-chesterfield-mo-53abbfc9.html
In my work life, I help nonprofits and small businesses with media and public relations. In my what I love to do life, you can typically find me photographing either wild horses or concerts.
