Gary Clark Jr. with Abraham Alexander at History

Casually gliding through the corral of photographers waiting in the backstage hallway, Gary Clark Jr. encouraged us to make him “look good”. Hopefully we met his expectations but it was not hard to make him look good. A tall, lean frame decked out in a stylish leather jacket and toque. He looked like cool personified. Gary is an avid photographer himself. The latest album is called JPEG RAW which anyone that edits photos will recognize.

The band appeared onstage emerging through a fog of dry ice like some sort of magic trick. Gary’s guitar emanating tones and building to crescendo on the raucous opening track, Maktub. When My Train Pulls In, Hyperwave, This Is Who We Are and the title track JPEG RAW kept the house rocking. Feed The Babies and a Stevie Wonder cover What About The Children added a soulful vibe. Gary repeated Stevie’s name to the despondent crowd a few times trying to bring the desired response that a legend deserves.

The night segued into a sensual R&B flow with The Healing, Alone Together and Triumph before showcasing an incendiary 10 minute version of Our Love. The opening riffs of Bright Lights Big City reignited the dimly lit room bringing the sold out crowd alive. Habits closed out the set before a three song encore that included a cameo from the opening artist, Abraham Alexander.

It was a beautiful evening of music that captivated the audience and left an overwhelmingly joyous feeling. What a great way to start your week!

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Be sure to check out Embrace Presents to see what other great acts they will be bringing to Toronto this year.