An Electrifying Night Of Blues and Soul

Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium, a venue steeped in musical history, played host to an electrifying night of blues and soul. The night was a testament to the timeless nature of blues, showcasing two artists who have carved out unique paths in the genre while paying homage to its rich roots.

Before Gary Clark Jr. unleashed his signature blend of blues, rock, and soul, Danielle Ponder set the tone for the evening with an opening performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. The Rochester, New York native, known for her deeply soulful voice and poignant storytelling, blew the crowd away.

Her setlist leaned heavily into the emotional depth of her music, delivering stirring renditions of tracks like “Some of Us Are Brave” and “Only the Lonely”. Each note seemed to resonate through the historic walls of the Ryman, her voice carrying a raw honesty reminiscent of legends like Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin. As she belted out heartfelt lyrics over rich, atmospheric instrumentation, the audience responded with rapturous applause, recognizing that they were witnessing something special.

By the time Ponder finished her set, the crowd was completely engaged, ready for the headliner but undoubtedly moved by the soul-baring performance they had just witnessed.

With the house buzzing in anticipation, Gary Clark Jr. and his band took the stage, wasting no time in establishing the night’s tone opening with “Maktub”. From the first blistering guitar lick, it was clear that the Austin native was in his element, fusing blues, rock, and soul into a sound uniquely his own.

Clark’s signature guitar tone—a searing, fuzzed-out blend of vintage blues grit and modern rock edge—filled the Ryman, wrapping the audience in waves of sonic intensity. His playing was both technically masterful and deeply emotional, a rare combination that places him in the upper echelon of modern blues artists.

The setlist was a dynamic mix of fan favorites and deeper cuts. “When My Train Pulls In” was a standout moment, featuring an extended solo that showcased Clark’s ability to make his guitar sing, wail, and roar with feeling. Songs like “The Healing” and “Feed The Babies” delivered a powerful message, blending personal and political themes with the undeniable force of his musicianship. The latter, in particular, struck a chord, its anthemic chorus echoing through the venue as Clark poured raw emotion into every lyric.

While his guitar prowess is often the focal point, Clark’s vocals were equally captivating. His smoky, soulful voice carried weight and authenticity, shifting seamlessly from smooth crooning to impassioned wails..

Clark also took moments to acknowledge the significance of playing at The Ryman, a venue that has hosted some of the most legendary names in music. He spoke briefly about his appreciation for Nashville’s deep musical heritage, drawing cheers from the crowd before launching into another scorching solo.

As the night drew to a close, Clark delivered an encore that left the audience in awe. His rendition of “Don’t Owe You a Thang” had the crowd moving, proving that blues can be just as visceral and infectious as any modern rock show. 

By the time the last note rang out, the audience was on its feet, roaring with appreciation for a night of soul-stirring music. Gary Clark Jr. had once again proven why he is one of the most vital artists in contemporary blues, and Danielle Ponder had set the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening.

In a city that knows great music, this was a performance that won’t soon be forgotten.