Pop Break Live: Gary Clark Jr. with Bambaata Marley at The Henry Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, California.
There are guitar solos and then there are Gary Clark Jr. guitar solos. We’ve all seen the former type of guitar trick, but only a select group of fans have witnessed the latter musical experience. When it comes to Gary Clark Jr., everything feels more monumental, emotional, and soulful – and that was certainly true at the first night of his three-night residency at the Henry Fonda Theatre in Hollywood.
Before taking the stage before a sold-out crowd of adoring fans, Gary Clark Jr.’s opening act was none other than Bambaata Marley, the grandson of Bob and son of Ziggy Marley. Much like the iconic lineage of performers before him, Marley tackled big messages in his music that combined hints of reggae with bits of hip hop and bluesy rock. He had an air of ease about him and looked quite comfortable on stage, particularly when he had his guitar in hand. The diverse crowd seemed intent on remembering Marley’s name even after he left the stage to much applause, as I overheard a group of fans quickly inquiring how to spell his name and download a couple of songs.
Little research needed to be done when Clark hit the stage, because I’m certain almost everyone in the venue knew his songs from beginning to end. Opening with his early hit “Ain’t Messin’ Round,” Clark walked out and remained in complete darkness until the song’s catchy chorus kicked in. Dressed in his signature hat and dirty boots, he addressed the crowd with only a small smile before wasting no time and diving into a bluesy solo. Dramatic shadows fell across the stage as his drummer kept perfect time alongside the excitable brass and the mood was truly incomparable.
Despite having been on the road for the better part of a decade, Clark still retained his Austin, Texas roots with the laid-back stage setup and occasional twangy guitar solo. During “Next Door Neighbor Blues” – and many times later through the night – Clark let his fingers have a mind of their own as they danced up and down the fretboard and an effect pedal crooned. With eyes tightly closed, he almost looked in pain as his guitar sang an emotional riff.
In each and every song, Gary Clark Jr. puts his whole heart and soul into not only his intricate guitar work, but his unmatched vocals. In his fan favorite track, “If Trouble Was Money,” he soulfully serenaded the crowd with one of his most perfect opening lines: “If trouble was money, baby / I swear I’d be a millionaire.” His soulful intonation and smooth delivery have the unique quality of transporting the audience to a different time and place entirely. Looking out into the crowd and catching dozens of fans with their eyes closed – just like Gary’s – proves that next-level tracks like “Bright Lights” and “When My Train Pulls In” truly are capable magic.
If you’re ever looking for musical food for the soul and possible magical transportation through time and space, Gary Clark Jr. is the guitar wizard most capable of leading you on that journey.
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