COMMENTARY/REVIEW
On July 17, 2009 John Legend, India Arie and Vaughn Anthony (John Legend’s talented and FINE little brother) performed at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia Maryland and it was INCREDIBLE!!!
Just when a devout music lover had all but resigned herself to playing songs from the late 80′s on back, GENERATION X SHOWS that soul hasn’t left, it’s just not getting the same air time as other “artists”.
Incredibly there weren’t any major light shows, sound affects, voice overs, auto tune or digital mastery. Instead old instruments like the acoustic guitar, flute, piccolo, & of course the piano were woven into the electric bass & other 21st century music machines.
There were highlights throughout the show that were unexpected but added a depth to the concert. For instance Gramps Morgan from the reggae sensation Morgan Heritage performed “He Heals Me” in a cameo performance with India Arie. I needn’t tell you that the Jamaican rhythm added to the song atop his soulful richness made the song worth revisiting in the studio as a remix…just a suggestion. The audience was elated that India pulled off her wig of cornrows during her song “I AM NOT MY HAIR”, to reveal her uber short natural that she WORKED!
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However the biggest treat of the evening was the opening act. Vaughn Anthony, younger brother of John Legend! The brother can SANG (southern vernacular)! It was interesting because the tonal quality of V. Anthony’s voice sent everyone searching the program to get familiar with this new hidden gem of talent tucked away behind the scenes. As he ended the verse or certain pitches, John Legend-esque notes & sounds kept “appearing”, that tipped off the connected lineage of the two artists. His whole vibe had a little more edge. John Legend is going for the “Huxtables” and Vaughn Anthony is a combination of Marvin Gaye with a Soulja boy look….H.O.T. Honey when he sang his song “YELL”, a satisfied hush came over the female members of the audience, as if amazed or perhaps recovering from quivers down under if you know what I mean!!!!!! WHAAAAAT?
Vaughn Anthony singing live
