Clayed in Pasadena!At 5:30 PM, my cousin joined me again for another experience of Clay magic …at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Thunder and lightening contributed to a powerful, dramatic ambiance as we made our way over to the venue. But, it didn’t compare to the intense anticipation welling up in the both of us. Even after arriving in a downpour, it did not in anyway diminish our excitement which had built to the power of, shall we say, 35 after waiting about that many days from the postponement to finally hear him!
The staff at the venue did demonstrate some compassion for the early arrivals. Some awning-like affairs were installed in front of each to the entrances. While they were not sufficiently large enough for all of us to gather underneath them, they actually let a lot of us in to wait in the outer lobby area, until we were asked to go back out in the rain to line up for security checks (that was fun, not). Those arriving without handbags, and there were quite a few, were allowed in much more quickly. The security check was fairly casual.
Then we were off to obtain merchandise. Since so much of it is now listed as out of stock on the net, I was concerned there would be a shortage at this concert too. It paid to bring cash. Within minutes I was able to purchase a copy of shirts, tour book and the lanyard. We then were ushered to our seats. The venue chart led me to believe they were somewhat closer. Due to a password snafu, I was really grateful to have obtained any orchestra seats at all. We ended up in the very last row of the first floor. Because of the size of the auditorium, these seats turned out to be acceptable…except they were so far from Clay
…but good ol' binoculars certainly helped offset the distance.
The audience was really varied. People of all ages were there; lots of intergenerational pairings were present. Next to my cousin, were a mother and daughter who drove up this afternoon from San Diego to hear Clay. Most wore attractive, festive attire. And…thanks be the lord…the folks near us were very well behaved. I think I would have clunked a middle of the song screamer with my cane, if they had been near me. Oops…such a vicious sentiment during the season of love…mea culpa!
Finally, the show began. The little boy sang with gusto and then came Clay. Yes!!! Clay was wearing a maroon, knit shirt, which seemed a bit large on him and gray pants, which were definitely a little baggy…I suppose he has lost some weight again. His hair was spiked up much like it had been on the Tonight show. His eyes sparkled and he seemed well rested. What on earth does he do about jet leg and his biorhythms all askew with strange timetables? After a little soft shoe…he announced that’d be the last dancing we’d see tonight…and of course we were moved to shout out: Noooo! He said his agent was there tonight…so he’d better not burp etc.
He seemed to look forward to sharing the latest with us and began the chat by telling his story about shopping. He got mixed up and said I’ve been telling it for a month now…I’ll just start over…and he did! That man is a scream!
He changed up a lot of songs. He was in spectacular voice and at every opportunity he went for peak phrasing and stunning melodic arcs. It was as if he was free to unharness all the passion he possessed and offer it as a gift to us. We were quite willing to receive it, oh yes!
How is it that he so owns that stage, just 26 years old…and he’s been at this for less than two years? What a born entertainer! One might go so far as to consider that a Clay-liberation has transpired, and indeed he is fully emancipated. That soaring spirit of his is absolutely palpable. I could continue to reach for the means to paint verbal portraits of his remarkable powers…but meanwhile on with the show…ha!
Jacob sounded good, Angela sounded really good and Quiana sounded amazing. They are certainly fine musicians/vocalists.
Early in the performance a group of Clayfans on Clay’s right, about 9 rows up, let loose with a chorus of I Love You, Clays (at least that’s what I think they were saying) and Clay tried to ignore them initially. They kept it up He said shut up! This is my show and I’ll do the talking!…and it bit more that I couldn’t hear over the cheers and laughter.
The high school choir was from Glendale, a city just west of Pasadena. The elementary choir kids were on the money and the readers did a terrific job…lots of poise.
While Clay’s hair was pretty spiked at first, after he left the side exit he might have gotten a little wet…or at least he was exposed to the damp air…I noted it was tamer the second half…more natural and just darling…made him more boyish, and who can resist that I ask you?
There was not a lot of interaction on the New Years Resolutions dialogue…Quiana said something about enjoying her cat…teehee…and then someone said something about not having New Years Resolutions…and Clay claimed they stole his lines.
He also talked about Christmas…asked how many people had 25 at their house, and how many had just two…and then he stated I’m going to your house next year. Later, he chatted some about being back home…and I was thrilled because he actually intimated LA being his home too (since I live in this area, the assumption of nearby access is fertile ground for fabulous fantasies)…and about being back next year…we all cheered…had to mix it up a bit…as an intro to IBHFC. He sang in such a heartfelt manner tonight, in particular this one. I liked the slower tempo…it added to the nostalgia.
Oh Holy Night…you know that could have been my title to this review. I adored the extras Clay has added to OHN since recording it on his CD. I’ve been really good and waited to view clack until after my concert…oh that was so hard. But, so worth it…I had no idea how much more beautiful Clay was able to sing this elegant piece. We all screamed at the end of it and stood for an ovation…and a little child started in reading the next Bible segment.
The TFN was simply perfection. It just built up to the most powerful conclusion. It by far surpassed his rendition of it on last year’s CD, and the AI holiday special. With the conviction he imparted to the carol, it sounded as if he was literally introducing us to the heavenly miracle this very night…what demonstrable artistry, since these are Christmas classics sung year after year.
Clay shared about his tenure as a pianist…said he was lazy…his experience with the piano lasted 1 ½ hours…didn’t last at all with T ball and listed a few other things…and in spite of his practice record, his grandmother wanted him to play and start up a round of Christmas carols…but the family is tone deaf.
MDYK was the very best I’ve ever heard it …including performances on his CD, Jay Leno, his special, The View, The Early Show, and the Today Show. None compared to how he was tonight. He had me believing that he reached down to the depth of his faith and poured the music out from the core of his being. We could have used some moments of silence after it, just to linger awhile and savor the exquisite hope it conveys.
In just a flash, we were nearing the end of the concert, and my absolute favorite was yet to come. I was blown away with Don’t Save It All last year from Clay’s performance on the AI holiday special. I had never heard the piece before and I prayed fervently that Clay would record it on his Christmas CD. Tonight, DSIAFCD was nothing short of sublime. I think it really could be Clay’s anthem, his reason for being…a vehicle for all the love and desire for compassion that dwells within Clay.
Last, as has been his encore tradition, he sang Good News. I’m not familiar with this song. It seemed like Clay’s personal prayer, his thanks and source of renewal. As Clay empties himself of the love he has to give and we, his adoring fans, are only too happy to receive, a song like Good News allows Clay to restore himself and leave us with this deep testament emanating from his soul.
What a night.
May Clay realize the hope, love and laughter he brings to the hearts of all of us.