Singer-songwriter Clark Beckham brought his “Year One” tour to New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall. (Photo property & courtesy of Quincy Jones Management)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Singer-songwriter Clark Beckham brought his Year One Tour to New York City’s fabled Rockwood Music Hall.
Before he took the stage, Clark spoke with VIPs for a special “Question & Answers” session where he shared his favorite tunes that are currently on his iPhone including friend Jon Bellion’s new song “John Travolta” and how he shredded his voice during his stint at Quincy Jones’s Q’s Bar & Lounge in Dubai. Throughout his one hour set, the “I Need” performer showcased his growth as a performer since he took the country during American Idol’s fourteenth season.
Clark performed four songs off of his hit Year One EP including the incomparable “I Need,” which featured surprise guest and Grammy-winning guitarist Isaiah Sharkey. Sharkey recorded the song with Clark and two additional members of the John Mayer Trio, drummer Steve Jordan, and bassist Pino Palladino. Another highlight was when the Rockwood Music Hall audience joined in the chorus of “James & Natalie,” which lead Clark to comment that the New York audience was “filled with singers.”
It was a real privilege to meet Clark in person. He is an impeccable performer and songwriter. (Photo property of Jake’s Take)
In addition to showcasing spectacular vocal gymnastics, Clark also told several stories with the audiences including the time he recorded an impromptu demo of “Gravity” with Jordan and Palladino without John Mayer. Another story that he shared was the time Clark received a fan letter from a family, whose 8-year-old daughter Sarah, changed the lyrics of his cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” to make it age appropriate. Some of the lyrics that Clark sang included “You are as smooth as Florida orange juice” and “sweet as strawberry jam.”
Clark also surprised audiences with a brand-new song, “Runaway,” which perfectly played to the “Sleep” singer’s vocal strengths. I predict that this song will be a massive hit for him.
Final Grade & thoughts: Clark Beckham’s Year One Tour showcases why he is one of the millennial generation’s best artists. Between his impeccable artistry and superb storytelling, Clark delivers a flawless performance that you should not miss. A
Setlist: “Hocus Pocus,” “James & Natalie,” “Sunday Morning” (Maroon 5 cover), “Tennessee Whiskey” (Chris Stapleton cover), “I Need,” “Gravity” (John Mayer cover), & “Runaway.”
Do not worry if you missed the NYC concert; you can still check out the Year One Tour! Other stops include Raleigh, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Nashville, Chicago, Seattle, and Portland. Clark Beckham’s Year One Tour is expected to finish in Los Angeles, where he will perform at the Hotel Café on December 1.
