Gary Clark, Jr. – Gritty, funky, moody, raucous, spooky, resonant, rhythmic, staccato.
Review and photos by Melanie Rose
One may wonder if those words describe the atmosphere produced by torrential rainstorms, which poured down and drenched the SummerStage crowd on Saturday, or the ambiance created in Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield by Gary Clark Jr., by the end of his first song, “When My Train Pulls In.”
The answer is: both.
Once Clark began playing, the vibe from the audience along with overheard sentiments from behind me was plenty indicative that come hell or high water, waiting out the storm was worth it to hear this “beast” perform.
Clark’s stage presence is timeless and earnest. He is a true talent on the electric guitar, having already been compared to Jimi Hendrix. While performing, the emotion and passion is written all over his face.
This free show came sandwiched in between virtually back-to-back summer festivals, and it was obvious that the fans were grateful for that. After every song there was chanting, cheering and crowd reactions that only an authentic performer could produce.
