Chico Debarge…(crickets?!)
A name that hasn’t really been mentioned in the last six years, at least musically. Prior to the release of his new Album Addiction, his album Long Time, No See was his most notable project. This came after a stint in prison. Chico used the time to write songs and from it came a wonderful masterpiece. I’ll be honest in saying that the shows pull for me was more-so the opening act, Anthony David. Yes, I’ve seen him perform a million times, but I could take a million more. Anthony David has such an ease with his voice, but it’s very controlled. He doesn’t overdo it. He gave a great opening set with songs like Lady featuring Keisha Jackson, Georgia Peach(a crowd favorite), Something About You, Cold Turkey. He also performed two new songs from his upcoming LP entitled As Above, So Below. What I appreciate about Anthony’s live show is the quality. Known for remixing popular commercial tunes, David performed his version of Drake’s Every Girl. The chorus repeated, “I wish I could f*** every trend in the world.” He seems a bit angry with skinny jeans and women with muffin tops. HA!
A small intermission and then back to the show. Chico came to the stage and the ladies around us went wild. I must admit I was a bit surprised that he still elicits those reactions. He does, however, come from a notable family! He started the show with a tribute to his brothers, Debarge. Mostly sticking to songs from his earlier albums, it’s clear that he still has ‘it’. After a few songs, he took a moment to thank the intimate crowd for sticking with him through his struggle with addiction. He admitted to being addicted to painkillers for the last six years. He mentioned that he needed time to get himself together. “Addiction is an honest record, and I hope you can appreciate my honesty in the music”, he said in somewhat of a vulnerable tone. After a solemn moment, he sang a few songs from Addiction and ended up dry humping several ladies from the audience. My I wish I recorded that for your viewing pleasure. You’ll have to use your imagination or not!
Overall, the show was entertaining and I appreciated Chico’s human side. We fall down, but we can’t stay down…thanks for the reminder Chico!
keep your soulHIGH!
