Gary Clark Jr.: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

April 16, 2019 | Stephen Thompson -- Gary Clark Jr. had good reason to sweat. The blues-rock singer and guitarist opted to play his first-ever Tiny Desk concert - in front of a huge crowd that warmed the room considerably - while clad in a thick knit cap and heavy jacket. Plus, he'd brought his young son on tour with him and had to contend with a traditional parenting dilemma: How do you bring your kid to the office and still get work done?
But once Clark and his formidable band got done cranking out three songs from this year's blistering This Land, he wasn't the only one in the room who needed to wipe away the sweat. Clark's set leaned toward some of This Land's softer sentiments - "When I'm Gone" is about missing his family on the road, while "Pearl Cadillac" exudes gratitude for his mother's sacrifices - leaving its more politically incendiary material for louder live shows. But these songs still roared with the assurance and force of a showman at the top of his game.
SET LIST
"What About Us"
"When I'm Gone"
"Pearl Cadillac"
MUSICIANS
Gary Clark Jr.: lead vocals, guitar; Eric Zapata: guitar, vocals; Johnny Bradley: bass, vocals; Johnny Radelat: drums, vocals; Jon Deas: keys, vocals
CREDITS
Producers: Abby O'Neill, Kimani Oletu; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, Patrick Boyd; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kimani Oletu, CJ Riculan, Kara Frame; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Adelaide Sandstrom; Photo: Amr Alfiky/NPR

[@nprmusic]

How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.

[@natebyrd5107]

Actions of individual artists don't necessarily reflect on the genre as a whole.

[@sheilaspence1250]

Gary is so cool, the leather coat asked to be worn! 😂

[@CS_Sardine]

Timestamps are wrong @nprmusic :PPP

[@CnClips12]

if i remember correctly Tiny desk did a Gza show, Mac Miller show, and Anderson Pak show....idc if rap loves you us rap fans certainly do.

[@Gwoof-ts9om]

Gore isss a hortatory jour, buy a PhD in lifetime warranty. Southern switch lite games for DC but I like the equivalent fractious native spirit and BBQ Pete past Delta mo...use hd

[@chadimac2243]

The Blues ain't dead. The guitar solo ain't dead. And Gary Clark Jr. is a living legend.

[@ryesters]

He's a little Hendrix, a little Kravitz, a bit of Prince, and a whole lot of soul in him

[@calvinyoung5540]

Got some of that Stevie Ray too. You don't play guitar in Austin without some Stevie Ray.

[@NDemanuele1]

Very true! I was just thinking he reminds me of Hendrix and Kravitz!...LOL.

[@hammstah9578]

You hit it right on the head! I was thinking along the same lines

[@peregrinacarlos]

More on the Kravitz side, not such great guitarist as Hendrix or Prince.

[@beetrootmckinnley3486]

Curtis

[@seanbean4682]

Gary deserves more credit for his singing and songwriting. Dude's a beast.

[@tonygallo1104]

His vocal abilities... wow... he can do the baritone th8ng and 5he false-set to.. gritty bluesy growl /vocal too.

[@AirSofter241]

I saw Gary and his band play in Philadelphia a few weeks ago. He absolutely brought the place down, it was incredible. Towards the end of the show this kid I was standing next to held up a sign that said “20th show, 18th birthday, can we jam?” And Gary let him up on stage and they played the hell out of Catfish Blues together. Blew me away. Gary Clark Jr. is the fucking man

[@mikev.2945]

No way. That's awesome. First time I saw him was at a smaller venue earlier in his career and the place was packed and hot. He flipping killed it - I felt like that night must have been something close to what it was like in London when people saw Hendrix in clubs in those early years. Most certainly a guy that has to be appreciated live.

[@fabrizioalessi5949]

Here we go !!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6bZdaWjeqhpY6M

[@CorySpitznagel]

hardcoremofo Hendrix’s stage presence was what made him so unique and irreplaceable but if you’re talking about technical ability to straight play the guitar GCJR blows Hendrix’s away as would John Mayer, Joe Bonnamassa, Clapton. I’m not trying to take anything away from Hendrix he was an absolute beast but the guitar playing ability of the ones I named and many others is far superior in a technical sense

[@nimrod2550]

@@CorySpitznagel oh come on now. Aside from Clapton, who idolised Jimmy, the others you mention might possibly never picked up a guitar if it wasn't for him. He raised the bar to a game-changing level. Let's not forget that he was just 26 years old when he died. As for your focus on purely technical ability, what good is that without presence? It is show business after all. I'm not saying Gary isn't a blisteringly good musician because he is awesome, but credit where it's due.

[@chrisc2131]

@@fabrizioalessi5949 doooooope!!!

[@KparkX4]

I need to see Gary Clark and Anderson .Paak Colab on something smooth together. I know it may sound like a weird combo, but their both my favorite artists.

[@standardbrah]

from one Curtis to another Kurtis, these are two of my favorite artists as well. we have great taste.

[@2kooldancin]

That would be incredible! Also a H.E.R. and Gary Clark Jr. collab...*swoon*

[@mattirving4164]

Amrit Freeradical yup!!

[@yandhi5016]

Amrit Freeradical Thundercat on bass would be dope

[@edglue6138]

Hear hear

[@Dynamite76100]

Gary Clark Jr finally made it!! NPR you never cease to impress us with your features!

[@jamesdacus7367]

ooo you worded that backwards. they finally got him.

[@Teebee407]

Yep!! All I need now is India arie!!!

[@standardbrah]

never clicked so fast me boyo

[@loveschile7339]

IKR?

[@zachtubbs8048]

It's nice to hear an artist that sounds better live than they do produced.

[@KEVIN.HENDRY]

Quinn Sullivan!

[@Projacked1]

I hate to say it too, more then often with NPR. I like this way much more then the album. It sounds congested in comparison.

[@njmitch82]

Think of the time, effort and talent that it takes to sound this good without all of the garbage.

[@Britmysta]

That's not sweat, just a little bit of soul dripping down on to the guitar

[@HarlemWorld.Art_]

Britmysta Lml. Best comment I’ve ever read!... Sweat on through it. Just a lil bit of soul seeping out the pores...

[@leonlkowalski]

...and once again the best sound engineering in the whole wide youtube world...

[@eleintblood]

Only rivaled by KEXP

[@booraaan]

And colors

[@roncraig617]

And that's why I always think twice about getting the CD - because there's a good chance that it won't sound as good as this...

[@ReturnOfTheMack7]

so true. the guitar tone and the hihat in the first song is just PERFECT

[@chimpansi2]

Agree, it always sounds terrific.

[@Saccmiller]

I'd say I have a wide taste in music and I appreciate music more than the average person. It's hard to find friends that share the same amount of interest. That's why I love the KZbin comment section. Much love for you all!

[@ryanmullaney9791]

Same exact feeling, my dude. Peace, love, and groovy tunes your way.

[@walterfuentes3135]

My maternal language is Spanish,but my love of music is from all over the world,and I know exactly how you feel,my friends just don't understand.

[@heatherthomas5995]

LOVE 💘 TO YOU!!

[@stephenmahlstedt7276]

I hear you, man. I have no one to talk about music with and drive my wife crazy when we’re on road trips. Haha!

[@LuisvalenciaMega]

Never heard of Gary Clark Jr before and my girlfriend was trying to convince me to see him at Red Rocks coming up, so I search for the Tiny Desk performance.. I was sold after not even a minute lol

[@danielmedrano8419]

Guess I’ll see you there man! I’m coming all the way from Texas to see him

[@disposable_hero2748]

Did u end up going !? My girlfriend and I flew in from Tennessee to see the show. Best one to date!

[@romualdo5882]

00:00 - What About Us 05:01 - When I'm Gone 09:19 - Pearl Cadillac

[@MsLaBajo]

Thank you the KZbins was wrong. lol

[@pmtix9819]

First time hearing Gary Clark Jr. and now i'm a fan for life

[@loganmohler737]

You're really in for a ride

[@chukwunonsoegbunike4671]

@@loganmohler737 discovered him thru his collaboration with the roots and been a fan since

[@MrAllhalebreaksloose]

Check out his Spin sessions 👌

[@angellomamaril80]

Listen to “things are changin” live and studio version.

[@JimEnger]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oonPp32HoZqrgqs There's a lot to hear. I promise you won't regret this. Also check these out: I don't owe you a thing Ain't Messin around When my train comes in, live acoustic Good to know there's still good music being made and there's still good people Diggin it.

[@marcusgraham3257]

That uncle on the piano is doing some fire backing voice

[@jas_bataille]

True and very subtle

[@rizzzou]

He gets such good variety of tone and dynamics between his raspy bluesy chest voice and his falsetto. Such a great modern blues musician.

[@marshajohnson6360]

U can't put Gary in one box. 2024

[@mtgsk5180]

Went to a Gary Clark jr concert in Brooklyn, in a park on a warm breezy summer evening with a sorrel popsicle in my hand lol. It was everything I could ask for and more. Plus, it was a free venue! I almost felt guilty because I would have paid anything to see him live 😻 pure gold!

[@mimroses965]

sorrel popsicle! that sounds incredible as does every other detail in this story. You lucky thing!!

[@motherfungler420]

Before anyone makes the comment, they do make music as good as this nowadays.

[@elvisvendel6074]

"What about us" here is magical. I wonder why the recorded version isn't sounding like this!

[@ElChitarrino]

Thanks!

[@dannydevito7755]

Absolutely legendary

[@xwhite2020]

The vocals are tailor made for now. Leveled, all mid tones and bland as.

[@Dean-cw4xg]

Gary Clark Jr. is just incredible. Seeing him live like this is the best!!!

[@vekinzb]

That little mistake and his reaction at 12:11 just makes the perfomance even more human. Much love!

[@Wartah20]

Pearl Cadillac inspired me to never take my mother's love for granted and to strive to do even more for her. RIDE GARY RIDE!

[@rogeriosousa9474]

Minha mãe era tudo pra mim. Ela se foi há menos de um mês, e dói DEMAIS. essa canção é muito linda e tenho certeza que ela amaria. ❤

[@anthonybuck4735]

One of the few gifted artists that sound so much better live...even when they sound amazing in the studio.

[@melwilliams1252]

Your Purple Majesty is smiling in heaven when he played Pearl Cadillac, thanks for channeling the baddest man on the planet!

[@diyatom]

He is just amazing!! Blues will never be dead!!

[@MWallis2]

Man, he's just so fucking smooth. His falsetto is brilliant. Buddy on the gold guitar is an amazing player, so tasteful!

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

His voice is underrated. Too many people focus on his guitar skills.

[@MaximusTheChosenOne]

Kind of hard when he’s the best guitarist of the modern era

[@NUCLEARDASH]

Bros a complete legend

[@jaseallenson316]

100%. His voice is incredible and so insanely versatile.

[@vodkamagic9966]

the sound guy at Tiny Desk does his job really really good

[@Hardymans]

I agree

[@claudettebirden5267]

Great artist been listening for a while...blessings to u

[@kamogelobaikgodiso1937]

The sound engineering on this show is really brilliant. Just listen to the compression on the drums!

[@taurtue]

That kick and snare really stands out

[@ssunami_love1909]

PEARL CADILLAC made me tear up. I'm a Mom of 3 sons who love me Very Much, as I do them!!

[@andrewsanderson3577]

Another amazing Austin Texas-based musician. We have to cherish and take care of these troubadours

[@HealingThroughInspiration]

We literally screamed out loud seeing this American Brother finally on NPR!!

[@kt42071]

This is how to start Tuesday morning 🙌🏽😌❤️

[@kelvin-og5pq]

...and Wednesday. We're here in London, England ✌ Gary Clark and band so good!

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

. . . and a Thursday, Friday, Saturday . . . 😁👍🎸🎹🥁🎷🎺🎸

[@dingstarproductions]

@@EnlightenedRogue24 .....we chill on sunday.

[@odificationify]

@@dingstarproductions i met this song on monday

[@TaticusKgore]

Getting some head is the way to start the day tho

[@mariojutic6609]

When I'm gone is probably the greatest track I've heard in the last decade or beyond. It's a masterpiece from my point of view. Gary clark Jr is an extraordinary musician. Unbelievable

[@collerdgreens]

gotta give props to the musicians laying the solid framework for Gary to do his thing

[@TheOnlineBusker]

Gary Clark Jr. No words needed.

[@RowlandGosling]

I forgot to leave a comment over the 2 years this has been here - so here goes. I love this guy! He has the sound and swagger of the old school soul musicians I listened to growing up. Only it's Gary. And he's just a bit better than they were. The band that's behind him - none better. All of them - so tight and in the groove! Hard to do. After I'm Gone - my favorite song of his, but Pearl Cadillac is right there as well. Thank you Tiny Desk - you always have the best musicians of our time!

[@ravenocisty]

A great profile was done of Gary Clark, Jr., on CBS Sunday Morning today, and I was blown away. I have heard him play with other musicians, like Clapton, didn't know who he was, but WOWSERS, now I do, and I am hooked!

[@bernyedixon2689]

You can’t mistake a real, neighborhood old school groove. Gives me a bluesy, funky, down and dirty, BB, Hendrix, Sam Cook, Jackie Wilson with a lil Kem thrown in. I hear it all in his performance and I’m old enuf to say it. Amazing

[@Tamales1612]

Gary Clark Jr. is so special man...Thank you for having him on Tiny Desk NPR this is incredible

[@ekorisian]

Everybody knows leather will increase your guitar skills and social cool-factor by 200% , but you don't need it Gary.

[@robertm4050]

I read it was actually 222% because Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" is 2:22 long. I only know that because back in the day we had mix tapes and a lot of times you needed to know some short songs so there wasn't a bunch of blank tape at the end of one side or another.

[@TheTruthVScompliance]

it's pleather

[@juka421]

Keep your day job

[@loveschile7339]

HA!

[@roachstj1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qXfGOAaMuDo9k

[@EmmieB]

The guy in the Bobby Womack shirt is killin' it, even if he can't go all out in a reserved, intimate environment. Keyboardist, too!

[@thephilosopher7173]

5:00 Its rare for me to like the live performances better than the studio versions and this is one I absolutely love

[@22burnsie]

Never heard of this guy before watching the tiny desk. This group can jam 👌🏼👌🏼

[@robertwellington2616]

22burnsie you must not play guitar. He’s been around for years.

[@daeds.paints]

This dude sounds much better live than on record. Just wrecking!!! Keep it up.

[@VangeliRock]

This dude is the real deal...love him.

[@cozrun]

He’s really evolved into a truly great singer.

[@rose_quartz_loveandlight]

Pearl Cadillac is the ONE, Prince vibes 💜

[@jeffdunn890]

Hell yeah!

[@jas_bataille]

@@jeffdunn890 Starting at 3:54 he literally channel Prince inside his vocal folds

[@igloososa]

Bruh, exactly my sentiment! Prince looking down like, "nice solo, kid."

[@darkbluebossa]

Yeah! As a Prince fan, I am happy to see he inspired some great artists like Gary. His music lives on.

[@blender_wiki]

Too short, need more of this s... I can listen to Gary Clark Jr. all day long

[@kiteboywales]

When Im Gone is an absolute tune one of the best songs Ive heard for years - old school vibe love it

[@deannablackwell9073]

Pearl Cadillac reminds me of Prince and Maxwell in all the ways I love about them both.

[@thomasgomis9809]

i love the last song, it's a kind of mix between prince John Mayer and Maxwell, so cool !! Thank's Gary Clark Jr

[@jerrychiemeke7525]

And Prince. Especially Prince

[@artsyfartsy630]

I love that Bobby Womack tee shirt! You guys rock!

[@Projacked1]

All I have to say; brother , never stop and keep going on from here.....this is fresh . Love it.... Pearl Cadillac hits me in my core.

[@amiracleone2803]

Pearl Cadillac is so amazing.

[@RBarradas91]

13:00 is giving me the chills, this man is a legend

[@jvanelden1]

I was at 13:00 when I came across your comment and I knew I was without checking..

[@Benji2N]

Zap's guitar tones are out of this world

[@elderdub]

I'd like to highlight the absolutely brilliant sound of drums on this performance. I love the way NPR do their job. Not to mention Mr. Clark is a top level professional. Thank you.

[@peggie7126]

elderdub What a lovely comment!!!

[@alexchan4163]

This one was especially great because of Mr. Clark Jr.'s story about bringing his kids on the road. Both heartwarming and humorous!

[@jipes]

What a blast, Gary Clark is such a wonderful artist he has all voice, guitar maestria, soul etc... Blues Purists don't like him because he likes to mix all different music but this is the real Deal imho

[@G.light33]

He can rock that guitar man 🤘🎸

[@dillon8212]

I've rewatched this a dozen or so times and still can't get enough of this performance!

[@samuelneil2691]

This guy is a world class talent. Makes me happy to see a blues inspired artist really create something new and unique.

[@ryanperryband2036]

Been waiting for him for a good while, THANK YOU TINY DESK AND NPR!!!!

[@gearywimberly4783]

Gary Clark Jr is the King of the Guitar in the North.

[@rgchristy]

South, East & West

[@ThePumpkin00]

I LOVE IT!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO ONE OF HIS CONCERTS YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY ADD IT TO YOUR TO DO LIST!!!!! ♥️♥️♥️

[@dannitamiller6840]

OK............... I was in love with GARY CLARK JR but right now I can't find a word other than love to express what I am feeling! AMAZING!

[@TonyMacina]

I absolutely love this! Shades of B.B. King in the way he accentuates a vocal line with a little melody that hits the same emotional tone, and I loved the Prince style refrain of 'your love' on Pearl Cadillac where he drops from falsetto into full voice. The Purple One was a master at that, Gary Clark Jr does it justice. Plus holy cow, that guitarist made perfect use of Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight' lick in When I'm Gone. Might have just shown me a new favourite, cheers NPR!

[@ethancheng1595]

Every time I hear Gary Clark Jr. play it's a religious experience.

[@carinm.bonifacino]

Ethan Cheng He brings ME to my knees!

[@aristeucarusso576]

the same experience to me

[@emilyhorton7819]

Agree 💯

[@sandramarenataylor6182]

Saw him 2 years ago in Vancouver. Fell in love with his music. Such an amazing artist,

[@mattneal3082]

Just discovered yesterday ... been playing over and over! Great songwriting, great performance.

[@ilyassb3650]

I love the SRV thing that Eric Zap did on his Strat .. Gary is just Cool !!

[@johnnylerec8298]

most subdued and yet effective second voice I've ever heard, really ties everything together. Love this stuff!

[@nickelsewhere3987]

Dude that guitar player is outa this world

[@ZemAudu]

He said “I’m tired people”!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I could feel his pain.

[@sheshe30341]

Love Gary Clark Jr. - That Bobby Womack tee tho!

[@pdiddyflyers4eva]

WANT!

[@phillieb30]

Got dayum! Surely pure music and emotion, I loved this entire performance! Gary, please keep on keepin on, the world needs your sounds brother!

[@jimclawley9117]

Saw him in 2019. Awesome

[@MotoTaco]

i love gary and as a guitarist it makes me smile when he messes up. Not out of "good i hope you always mess up" but as an aspiring guitarist it is comforting knowing even the pros have trouble some time. It encourages me and shows me that even if you mess up its ok if you laugh it off quick and keep on solo-ing.

[@superfetus05]

I remember the first time I ever heard GCJ, his songs always calm my mood so perfectly. Truly feels his music deep within and it shows through to audiences.

[@sokola311]

Best version of 'Pearl Cadillac' I have ever heard. Wonderful.

[@Matty_Ice_4]

I saw him perform at the Hershey Theater this past year and it was amazing. My wife who doesn't even really know any of his songs loved the show. He absolutely killed it!

[@Sivlelvis]

Mr Clark is fresh air blown into over digitized music that holds no real feel and passion Gary songs are full of real passion and soul great old school voice i mean cant say enough about this guy top it off he is funny and charismatic wish i was friends with him but i will take the gift of his music in hi appreciation and hope he gets all the success he wants in this world lhe deserves it all

[@bryandouglass9997]

Austin, Tx. bro, saw him here in San Antonio, Tx., Blew the roof off! Zapata has mad skills, didn't get to show much on here.

[@paulgarza5197]

Bryan Douglass yes! Zapata!!!!!!

[@SLA239]

Dude on guitar..love the Bobby Womack tshirt ✊🏾

[@ruinouseffigy8308]

Frank zappa son's

[@rebbeshort]

@@ruinouseffigy8308 No, it's fucking not.

[@zibertoldi]

I love Gary Clark Jr ❤️ He's incredible!!! I love It so much ❤️🌹👏👏👏

[@uptheironsiommi]

Right on John and Johnnys and King Zapata (kool guitars playing Kool parts) Thanks for being Ziggy's band cause Gary knows he's only as good as the band he's in and you guys are the best!!

[@bootisebanks8977]

I can't stop listening on repeat 😍😍

[@nyonyopraia]

Whoa.. need another 100 like him, and the world will be cooler.

[@Ghostfloyd]

HI, so it's global warning for Gary Clark Jr.:) great moment for sur. thanks.

[@trevorreniger5670]

7:37 that little smile and nod the rhythm section gives each other... love it. Gary is incredible. I watch this every couple months and always get the same feeling: Cheer.

[@robertoneal1909]

Delectable tones.

[@arevarc]

This Gary Clark Jr. moves me! In ways I have not been moved in years! Well deserved accolades!

[@robynvanhorn5602]

Strange I found him a couple of weeks ago and I just saw him in a movie yesterday!! Something about a chef. 😁

[@robynvanhorn5602]

Ha ha the movie is called Chef

[@fiatkallesdotter]

That epic solo in the end would make anybody proud 🤩🙌🙌

[@luismarrodan8261]

Without words....Gary Clark Jr.gets better and better..

[@stichtingyimak9695]

Ah man Gary I don't know how to thank you for this man. I watch the shit out of NPR and this right'ere, this what im doin it for.

[@DavidMcKinstry]

This is great. Once again I'm impressed by whoever does the sound engineering for these things.

[@alanvelasquez837]

David McKinstry His name is Josh Rogosin! He’s a genius. You can find him on instagram if you use it.

[@divadtineb21]

Finally hearing these live! Love the album , man. Hopefully he plays ACL

[@mrcosta6963]

"When I´m Gone" --- OMG what a song!

[@ikkio3981]

Pure talented artist! Love him.

[@BeastIt9]

Gary Clark & Co. ... that was sumpm special🔥🙏🏽 Funny...Honest...and Refreshing. Thanks y’all!

[@dd-ql3rb]

Thank you NPR. Gary Clark Jr, I love your music!