Gary Clark Jr. debuts JPEG RAW at SXSW

Photo: Richard Gonzalez

Gary Clark Jr, the renowned blues-rock musician, made a triumphant return to his hometown of Austin, Texas, on a Thursday night during the peak of the SXSW music conference. The event, held at Emo's and sponsored by SPIN Magazine,  Stand Together Music, 1 Million Strong, KiTbetter and Click., was a celebration of his latest album, JPEG RAW, marking a significant departure from his traditional blues roots.

Accompanied by an eight-piece band, which notably included his three sisters, Clark Jr took the stage with an energy that electrified the crowd. JPEG RAW represents a bold evolution for the artist, moving away from the conventional blues sound he's known for, but not towards pop; instead, he describes it as "Blues 2.0," a contemporary reinterpretation of the genre that Clark Jr is best equipped to spearhead.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the performance of "This is Who We Are," featuring the incredibly talented singer Naala, adding a dynamic layer to Clark Jr's already captivating sound. Throughout the performance, Clark Jr treated the audience to the entirety of JPEG RAW, each track weaving a narrative that showcased his musical versatility and evolution as an artist.

Photo: Richard Gonzalez

While predominantly focusing on his latest release, Clark Jr did manage to include standout tracks from his previous albums, such as 2015's "The Healing" and 2019's "Feed The Babies," seamlessly blending the old with the new and highlighting the depth of his musical catalog.

Looking ahead, Gary Clark Jr is gearing up for an extensive tour starting on May 8th in Fort Worth, promising fans across the country an unforgettable live experience. Additionally, he is set to tape an episode of Austin City Limits, commemorating the iconic television show's 50th season. The taping, scheduled for March 26th, serves as a testament to Clark Jr's enduring legacy in the music industry and his significant contributions to the blues genre.