Have you ever noticed that most people don't catch onto certain things until they are dropped upon their heads like bags of heavy bricks from the tops of the highest buildings? Then and only then, in that moment of clarity, do the objects of focus become so apparent that hindsight not only lends 20/20 vision, but also spotlights that which blinded us from seeing them in the first place. With that in mind, let us focus on the career of soul singer Anthony David.
If you are a believer in urban legends, then you know full well that the souls of Bill Withers and Mos Def intertwined on August 24, 2004. On that magnificent day, Brash Music introduced the music world to Anthony David, who began a long quest to "evoke the Energy of music rather than the Style." His first project, 3 Chords & the Truth, was hailed by the Atlanta Journal Constitution as "the best record to come out (of Atlanta) since Usher's." Without major label support, however, the world turned a deaf ear.
If such a comparison doesn't floor you, let us consider the popularity of Usher in 2004. If you need additional help, think of one word: Confessions, the best-selling contemporary R&B album in recent years. (You know the one, with nearly 10 million copies sold.) That being said, any comparison to Usher, especially in 2004, should have sent music lovers in droves to every brick-and-mortar store nationwide, right? Wrong. In fact, even with the critical acclaim of Anthony David's next release, the Red Clay Chronicles, he performed in exclusive anonymity.
Refusing to change his style for mainstream needs, David became a showstopper in Atlanta's underground Soul scene, where he fostered a loving friendship with India.Arie that was rooted in mutual respect. He wrote "A Part of My Life" for Acoustic Soul, India.Arie's multiple-GRAMMY-nominated album, and supported the album on global tours as a background singer. Coming into his own, he eventually headlined several tours in Europe and Japan.
Hindsight, as a consequence, is 20/20, and Acey Duecy is a "grand debut" that shines like a polished gem on India.Arie's newly-christened Soulbird label. The album, in all respects however, is a "greatest hits" compilation of David's two independent releases under the Brash indie label: 3 Chords & the Truth (2004) and the Red Clay Chronicles (2006). With that in mind, new and old fans alike can appreciate the selection of "Words" (featuring India.Arie) as the lead single, which is an ultimate testimony of true friendship and the long road to a major label record deal. Now, with the release of Acey Duecy, the stars in the musical universe have finally aligned.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nice job on this Mr. Perry. If Mr. David actually does represent some sort of new hope for real, actual soul music (the kind with, you know, actual soul), then count on me on board. Because Lord knows, we could use a "soul saviour" right about now.
-Glen