Gary Clark Jr. brought a level of mind-blowing talent as good as any to have graced Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium stage.
In a storied venue that has hosted the music industry’s most elite, Gary Clark Jr. delivered a beyond-worthy performance filled with raw emotion, blistering guitar solos, and moments of pure musical prowess that are impossible to put into words fully. He is the sort of generational talent that blows the mind with every single show, no matter whether you’re seeing him for the first time or the hundredth time, and this one was no different.
With Gary Clark Jr. considered by many to be a living guitar legend, what made this night even more special was the opportunity for fans to see the next artist who could very well reach his same heights.
As a teenager during the pandemic, Grace Bowers taught herself to play guitar and then started picking up gigs at the local dive bar scene in Nashville before going viral on social media. She’s still just 18 years old and has already been sought out to play alongside music legends ranging from Susan Tedeschi and Dolly Parton to Peter Frampton and Trey Anastasio.
While Grace may have developed a reputation as a blues guitarist in a similar vein as Gary Clark Jr., her performance was heavy on the funk. The vast majority of songs came from her 2024 debut album Wine on Venus, which has a distinct Sly and the Family Stone vibe.
Throughout her set, Grace would trade a few bars with her keyboardist or rhythm guitar player causing audience members to give each other that certain look when you know you’re witnessing the start of something special. She has the raw talent to go far so keep an eye out for this one.
After a short break, the fog machines had set out a thick layer of smoke across the stage and Gary Clark Jr. kicked off his portion of the show with “Maktub,” the first song from his 2024 album JPEG RAW. The inspiring and energetic track talks about the need to rise above trauma and create positive change, and it set a perfect tone for the rest of the night.As the show went on, it was clear Clark Jr. was a showman in his element. A particular highlight came during “When My Train Pulls In,” a track that featured one of his signature fiery jams and demonstrated once again why he’s one of the most electrifying guitarists of this era.
The show wasn’t just about the guitar solos, however. On the song “Church,” Clark Jr. traded his guitar for a harmonica and demonstrated his gospel side. Then on “I Walk Alone,” he showed that he has a soulful R&B voice that can match the intensity of his guitar.
The highlight of the night for many was “Bright Lights,” a bluesy jam from Clark Jr.’s 2012 breakout album Blak and Blu. The crowd was on their feet, stomping along to the infectious rhythm while having their minds blown once again by Clark Jr.’s mastery on full display.
For those lucky enough to witness this performance, the night at the Ryman Auditorium will likely be remembered as an unforgettable musical journey that showcased not only Gary Clark Jr.’s guitar virtuosity but also his ability to connect with the crowd through his soul-stirring vocals and dynamic stage presence. There’s a good chance it could also be remembered as the time when fans witnessed a guitar hero at the top of his game ushering in the next-generation prodigy who has the world ahead of her.
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