There are so many women who are big fans of Clay's, from the pre-teens to those who are, well, a bit older than that. But the male fans tend to be few and far between. And finding a male fan who not only gives a wonderful review, but also a very well thought out, knowledgable, and eloquent review of Clay's concerts is extremely gratifying. And that is what we have right here.
Brad attended the Sterling Heights concert with his wife. I've read some of his reviews before. He is honest and upfront with what he has to say, both when he likes something and when there are things he doesn't care for as much. That's another reason why his reviews are so great. Honest, knowledgable, eloquent...what more could you ask?
I think you are gonna love this review. Read on and see if you don't agree with me:
You know the particulars of the Sterling Heights concert, so I won't repeat them. My attendance recalled and reinforced for me the two reasons I love going to Clay concerts.
1) Clay's incredible voice and his instrumental artistic execution. Live performances should be far better than the studio version. They should be the difference between hearing and seeing thunder and lightning on TV and experiencing it out of doors under a canopy. 
But, all too frequently, live performances are an expensive disappointment. Clay's voice crackles with an electricity that milky studio recordings cloud. His single-breath phrase connecting is simply the best of anyone - even more astounding live, given stage movement and audience focus. He pays attention - gives homage - to his craft, like an artisan etching intricate metal work while surrounded by marveling enthusiastic onlookers, making it look effortless. But it's not. It takes an equally divided, equally dedicated focus on visual presentation and vocal rendition. Clay's the best, apart from his vocal gift, because he is always focused and IN THE MOMENT in each song. Which brings me to...
2) Most performers have a prefabricated scaffold of "banter" intended to fit any audience at any venue. To a limited extent, so does Clay. But my wife briefs me on the banter for each concert and most of it is never the same! I once attended three concerts in a row and the audience play was drastically, unpredictably, wonderfully different each time. Because... Clay is IN EACH MOMENT. 
He doesn't merely perceive or notice venue phenomena; he reacts and responds to it precisely in that moment. Take Sterling Heights. He climbs the right side stairs to a private open box and performs there (away from the sun) because the sun is in the eyes of part of the audience and he was concerned for them. It was consummate Clay! That wasn't the only impromptu moment. You already know about Clay's talk with the girl hiding in the trees who had lawn seats but wanted to be closer to the stage!
But that's why I love Clay concerts. He invites me - pushes me - to be in the moment, to be aware of the shows within the show all around me, to appreciate the gathering as well as the singing. He puts us in our moment.
Brad
P.S. The orchestra at Sterling Heights deserves special appreciation and thanks, and was one of the "shows within the show". Watching their facial expressions and body language - during the songs as well as in between - was a treat. If you haven't yet, take in the "orchestra show."
There Was A Man - Clay makes a stop in Michigan... photos and recaps.
