Live

Atlanta Soul Session - Anthony David & Avery Sunshine: Jazz Cafe 04/11/10

Atlanta, A-Town, HotLanta, Georgia Peach, whatever you want to call it Atlanta has been a hot bed for movie and music for a number of years. For the beautiful folk of London, Jazz FM in conjunction with Dome Records hosted a special night at Jazz Café called ‘Atlanta Soul Session’. Two of Atlanta’s brightest stars hot-footed it across the Atlantic to bring us a slice of the musical hotness; Grammy nominee Anthony David and critically acclaimed newcomer Avery Sunshine turned up the heat for the muscial showcase.

Avery Sunshine is delightful as her name suggests and knows how to work a crowd. Singing songs from her self entitled debut album Avery’s rich voice and warm energy enthused a packed audience, many of whom had not heard much from the star before the show. Genuinely moved by the audience response, Avery Sunshine’s short set in honesty eclipsed that of the headline act Anthony David. Now dear reader that is not to say that Anthony David was by any means lucklustere, but it just showed that the level of talent of Atlanta is that high that if we do not see Avery Sunshine back in London headling her own show within 12 months I would be extremely surprised. Her rousing performance of ‘I Got Sunshine’ and ‘Ugly Part of Me’ drew in the crowds whilst her cover of Anita Baker’s ‘Sweet Love’ blew them away. Avery reminded music fans what real talent is; a pure voice, raw talent, and nice atttiutde will take this lady very far.

Anthony David opened with an Atlanta remix of the Estelle track ‘American Boy’ which defintely excited the crowd, as well as his hit ‘Something About You’ a cover of another British act Level 42. The crowd it would seem mainly came to see the talented singer and songwriter, and he gave them songs from his previous albums and upcoming album. The crowd were even treated to a duet with Anthony and Avery on what will hopefully be an upcoming single ‘Forever’. As good as the concert was Anthony seemed to come alive the most with his guitar strapped on, in his small acoustic interludes. His closing song ‘Down My Avenue’ was a haunting tale of the danger of a young man getting cuaght up in the gun and gang culture, however even that couldn’t bring down the fans as they shuffled out of the venue for the special show.

Overall the Atlanta Soul Session was a sweet but all too small slice of Atlanta’s finest. Both high calibre artists sigend to the Dome record label, we hope to have them back in the UK very soon.
Words Richard 'Ricardito' Ashie