Gary Clark Jr. strolled onto the stage of The Anthem in Washington, D.C. wearing his fedora like a cape of a super hero guitar player.  When he hit the first chords of “Bright Lights”, you realize he was sent here from another galaxy. As Gary sang out the lyrics from the chorus, “You’re gonna know my name”, it became clear to everyone that he is making his stand!

His playing is not from the old school, but from his very own soul. Playing to a sold crowd seems very comfortable to him, and while his band holds down the floor of the Anthem’s stage, Gary seems to float above it. The crowd is captivated by every note.

When the second song, “The Guitar Man” ended, that’s when everything heats up.  Gary removes his coat like he is preparing for battle and asks the crowd “Are you ready for this?”  By the end of the set there is no doubt we have been taking to Gary Clark Jr.’s dimension, and man, what a trip. Gary Clark Jr. is not a throw-back to old ways of rhythm and blues. He is here now changing the blues and making a stance. His songs really make you think and encourage you to take a stand with him.

Gary Clark Jr. performed 12 of the 15 songs from his newest ground-breaking album, This Land.  After opening with “Bright Lights”, from his 2012 release Blak and Blue, he included two older songs within the mix, “Our Love” and “When My Train Pulls In”; however, this set was clearly in support of his newest album.  This is an album you definitely want in your collection.  

Enjoy these amazing photos from Gary Clark Jr. performing at The Anthem last night, March 30, 2019.  All photos courtesy and copyright of Brandon Amos of Low Light Photography.