Anthony David Is Acey Duecy | Review by Chandra Kamaria

Let’s get something straight. Anthony David is not a newcomer and he should not be treated as such. Instead, Acey Duecy is to be simply considered David’s first commercial release, meaning e’rybody else is about to discover him. See, as city council members of this great city, Neosoulville, we’ve been up on Anthony since The Red Clay Chronicles and Three Chords and the Truth--his two independent releases. So, you can imagine our ecstatic reaction when we learned of his major recording deal with Universal Republic.

Acey Duecy is something of a compilation of his two independent releases, but nonetheless, it is an exquisite sound journey that combines acoustic blues with soulful melodies, complete with Southern dialect, uh, Georgia slang to be exact. David, a Georgia native, has worked extensively with India.Arie, co-writing songs for her multi Grammy nominated debut album, Acoustic Soul. This close relationship with Arie allowed David the open doors that he needed to tour worldwide...and in addition, Arie guest spots on Acey Duecy on the emotionally charged, poetic debut single ‘Words’.

The most compelling aspect of Anthony David is his storytelling ability and his depth. Fully capable of shaping a song with his poignant lyrics and unique singing style, David harnesses the gift of commanding you to listen to him, whether he’s ‘Spittin Game’ or going ‘Cold Turkey’ from a woman’s ‘good, good loving’. Truly conscious of social issues, David protests against racial profiling on the track ‘Krooked Kops’ and then pays homage to his fellow Georgia gals on ‘GA Peach’. The slinky, funky groove ‘Kinfolks’ should make its way into the family reunion music collection alongside ‘The Electric Slide’ and The OJays’ ‘Family Reunion’ because it’ll be impossible to listen to it and not envision catfish sandwiches soaked in hot sauce, potato salad, and cold Budweisers.

Let me stress this, Acey Duecy is simply a commercial release, but there is absolutely nothing commercial about it. Mainstream urban contemporary music has been missing this level of sincerity and while you may not see Anthony David do a hand stand while performing, you will get real music from a real man who knows exactly where he comes from and vows to remain true to that.

Review by Chandra Kamaria