W.C. Clark

Austin blues survivor W.C. Clark transported a couple hundred fans to the dark gloom of the Saxon Pub in the Texas capital at the Blue Sunday concert series at City Market on Sunday evening.

Clark’s efficient band of bass, drums and sax/harp allowed him to showcase his modest yet highly effective voice and guitar work. Clark perched on a stool, B.B. King-style, throughout the set.

The clear highlight of the performance was a moving rendition of John Hiatt’s Tip of My Tongue. Clark channeled Sam Moore, the Sam of Sam & Dave, on the heartbreaking ballad. Such remarkable readings of interesting material makes it all the more puzzling that he finds it necessary to sing hoary standards, like Latimore’s Let’s Straighten It Out and the Jimmy Reed songbook.

Although it was slightly cooler than previous Sundays, the water sprinkler (pictured) was still a welcome offering.