Eric Roberson, Anthony David, Angela Johnson at Rams Head

Eric Roberson, Anthony David, Angela Johnson
Rams Head Live, Baltimore
April 24, 2009

Rams Head Live hosted the exact pick me upper I needed after a stressful week. Three of indie music’s most talented singers/songwriters/musicians gave a performance seeped in creativity, dedication, spirit and passion. Cycling on and off the stage in waves, Eric Roberson, Anthony David and Angela Johnson rocked Baltimore’s crowd Friday night. A special mention to the phenomenal band, Smoke Signals, that backed all three performers. These dudes gave us hours worth of an energy so intense, we all wish it could be bottled and sold at a ridicuously low price (no, no...not like that)!

Angela Johnson’s sound is a bit like if Angie Stone and Al Green had a baby (hey, just take a minute to think about that-don’t knock it)! Proving her vocal chops are well seasoned, Johnson belted out her newest solo, Better. Performing a duet with Eric Roberson entitled Let Me Know (written by Eric), she describes it as her “walking song”. Let Me Know is one of those infectiously snappy tunes that’ll have you doing a R-Kelly two step, undercover, at your desk. For more song info, visit Angela’s MySpace page at www.myspace.com/angelajohnson1

Anthony David’s melodically raspy voice (sounds like a contradiction-but it’s not, trust), kicked the crowd's energy into another gear with songs like Kinfolk and Stop Playin. Energizing fans during a band break, David showed off his versatility by performing guitar solos alongside songs like Smoke One With Ya Folks and Cold Turkey (the titles speak for themselves don’t they). He also performed Words, his beautifully structured track featuring Ms. India Arie. In lieu of India, Angela Johnson stepped in to give voice to the part, and just a fantabulous job if I do say so myself. Words reminds us that no matter what you think your conveying to someone via what you say, it is our actions that best describe our feelings…perhaps a little cliché to say, I know, but there’s something quite powerful when thoughts are reinforced by music. His album, Acey Duecy- a nod to his nickname- is available in stores now. Visit his website at www.anthonydavidmusic.com or his Myspace page at www.myspace.com/anthonydavid

Eric, Mr. Roberson himself. What can you say but to give kudos to one of the hardest working men in music-and congrats brotha on your recent marriage! His dedication and passion for what he does certainly comes through in his live performances. Performing favorites such as Right or Wrong and Softest Lips-YouTube “ErRo Concert” for a clip of Eric singing to a fan’s blackberry! He certainly showed some love to the Baltimore crowd by performing a medley of club beats mixed with old school dance songs like E.U.’s Da Butt.

And though, yes, I was doing the butt right along with the rest of the crowd, hands down the most moving song of the night was Eric’s Pave a New Road. Created during the Obama presidential campaign, this song is saturated with unbridled optimism and a yearning for a new way of doing things, a new way of learning to value your fellow man. For all these and more, go to http://blueerrosoul.blogspot.com or visit www.myspace.com/ericroberson.

Paz.