Gary Clark Jr. didn't bring a cape, a costume, or any cardboard thunderbolts to his closing performance on Thursday, November 2 on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” The master musician only needed his slightly cocked hat, and the trademark wail of his guitar to slay the Beatles’ classic, “Come Together” and leave everyone watching speechless.
The night had already been dedicated to superheroes, and a menagerie of silly scenes and ridiculous props, but Gary Clark Jr. needed no props. Instead, his pure, soulful passion outshone any stage lights and proved his divine gifts with strings.
Like a conquering hero, he claimed the stage and every cry resonated from his chords. He beautifully displayed the positive power of sound and sentiment - so needed in times of recent strife. He pulled every ear and every heart into his moment. He brought his own definition to the words of shared human experience and invited his audience to feel his heart. That is the gift of a true artist, and no special effects are necessary.
Toppling and towering in the lights
Earlier in the evening, James Corden had narrated an uproarious live-action staging of the newly released film, “Thor: Ragnarok” which is winning kudos for being, “the best superhero movie ever.” It is a testament to Corden’s clout in the acting realm that he could assemble stars Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo, and Cate Blanchett to participate in a zany spoof.
Corden’s own comic timing enhanced the ridiculous effects of improvised “weaponry.” Side-stage pleas for rescue by Blanchett came via the phone. Jeff Goldblum was an excited audience member.
The actors fell all over each other and the very willing audience in rendering their familiar roles. Corden made polite small talk with fair damsels, too.
Actresses Kristen Bell and Dianna Agron recalled their first meeting, and Agron related her unfortunate encounter with a mosquito on her honeymoon.
The mood of the evening called for a finish to remember, from the moment Gary Clark Jr. stood in the golden light for his set, it was evident that he would deliver a triumph.
King Zapata, Johnny Radelat, and Johnny Bradley have been solid and steady backers for Clark for years now.
Clark's stature both physically and musically is more than enough to intimidate lesser musicians, but these seasoned stalwarts know their stuff.
“Come Together” is a song that Gary Clark Jr. probably would never have considered tailoring for himself. It took the approach of Junkie XL, to beckon the guitarist to add his “fuzzy” guitar to the track that was planned for the “Justice League” film. The latest DC comics installment has its own cast of superheroes. The entire process was invigorating for this master, still in his 30s, who felt like he was “in a garage band” of his youth once more.
No translation needed
Gary Clark Jr. has confessed that he still doesn't know the full meaning of, “toe jam football,” but his heart and voice rang loud and clear from the James Corden stage.
The anthem of acceptance and unity seems perfectly relevant in the wake of more terror, the continuing suffering in Puerto Rico, and national leadership lacking in response. Every word sounded as though it was from the soul of Clark himself. His riffs only intensified his personal appeal.
Clark has already been creating material for his follow-up to, “The Story of Sonny Boy Slim,” but is in no rush. He is enjoying his Texas roots, “feeling free and creating,” with no timelines. Speaking of the need to “come together,” the musician feels that necessity more acutely than ever. His writing has focused on current events. He elaborates that his themes have not centered on “meadows and orchards.”
If the roar of applause for Gary Clark Jr. is any indication, all of America is ready for unity with a new purpose for help and healing. For his part, Clark only hopes that "Paul and Ringo dig it."
