Anthony David

Evening Muse

July 15, 2008

By Mike McCray

The Deal: Charlotte’s urban elite threw on their most soulful attire in support of singer/songwriter/guitarist Anthony David. The natural hair expo...I mean, concert welcomed new fans into his musical fold as well refreshing the day one fans.

The Good: He showed amazing personality and stage presence. He made it a point to make the show a personal experience as he deviated from his original set list to take requests from long time fans (like the woman who held up her requests written in Sharpie on notebook paper).

David let his on-the-spot creativity shine throughout the show, covering and remixing old songs from Atlantic Starr and A Tribe Called Quest and even newer tracks like Young Jeezy and Kanye West’s “Put On” which is in constant rotation on urban radio these days and blending those songs with songs of his own in sort of a R&B, acoustic soul, hip hop mash up.

The show moved well, even the lapses between songs while band members caught their breath and audience members regrouped were filled with David joking and conversing with his audience. His backing band was amazing and more than happy to chat it up, along with David, with all those in attendance after the show.

The Bad: I love the Evening Muse’s acoustics and ambiance, but it gets tight and hot in there. Not exactly ideal for men in linen suits and women sipping wine (or interns trying to record video over 6' 4" guys standing directly in front of them). Although seats were in place when people arrived, they all had to be pushed to the sides to create the environment David wanted for his show which meant standing the hour it took for the show to start and then standing throughout the show.

The Verdict: Anthony Hamilton might want to come home and reclaim the soul throne in his hometown cause Anthony David is nipping at his heels for Queen City soul superiority.