By photojournalist Daniel Fernandez
There was a tangible buzz that filled the air as fans flocked to The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida on March 13, 2025, for a night that promised to be nothing short of electrifying. The reason for the excitement? The long-awaited return of Austin’s powerhouse Blues musician, Gary Clark Jr., to Tampa for the first time since 2019 in support of his latest album, *Jpeg Raw*. Opening for Clark’s was musician and lawyer Danielle Ponder who made the house tremble with her booming vocals, fitting the bill as the audience’s primer for Gary Clark Jr’s trademarked “Honey-Thick Soul” sound.
The moody show kicked off with the atmospheric “Maktub,” immediately pulling the audience into Clark’s world of blues-infused rock. From the first note, it was clear why Clark remains one of the most revered figures in contemporary music. His guitar skills were nothing short of mesmerizing, with each riff and solo transporting the crowd into a different realm. At 41, Clark has fine-tuned his already formidable talent, showcasing a vocal range that impressed with each track performed.
Both highlighting and adding layers of sound to Clark’s performance were Rhythm guitarist extraordinaire King Zapata, top notch Keyboardist Jon Deas, a mix of local musician’s and his perfectly tuned trio of backup singers, who added more than a hint of intimacy to Clark’s already transcendental vocal stylings. Their harmonies on tracks like “This Is Who We Are” and “Feed the Babies” elevated the performances, creating a rich ecosystem of sound that perfectly complemented Clark’s raspy, soulful approach. The blending of voices during “What About the Children” was particularly moving, spotlighting the emotional weight of the song’s lyrics.
Clark engaged effortlessly with the audience, his charisma illuminating the venue as he shared laughs between songs and expressed his gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. His connection with the crowd was undeniable as they sang along to fan favorites like “When My Train Pulls In” and “Bright Lights,” reminding all why Clark’s music has such enduring appeal.
The setlist was a curated mix, with just under half of the songs in the fifteen-song set pulled from newly released “Jpeg Raw”, offering the crowd a taste of Clark’s creative evolution. Tracks such as “Alone Together”, “Habits” and “What About the Children” (the latter of which was originally recorded alongside industry legend Stevie Wonder) particularly stood out, weaving modern themes and hardships through Clark’s signature sound. The rest of the night was a journey through his varied discography, playing nine tracks from five prior albums showing just how versatile his musicianship has ranged throughout his career.
The night culminated in a dynamic encore, with “You Saved Me” resonating through the concert hall, followed by the infectious groove of “Funk Witch U.” As the last note faded, the applause was deafening, a testament to the spectacular performance delivered by Gary Clark Jr and his band.
Gary Clark Jr.’s return to Tampa was a thrilling experience that was worth the wait, reminding fans old and new of his unmatched skill and technical capability as a guitarist as well as his ability to entrench deeply personal narratives within soaring, unforgettable melodies and lyrics. Those lucky enough to be at The Seminole Hard Rock Casino Thursday night were taken on a soulful journey piloted by a musician at the pinnacle of his artistry.
