Anthony David The Red Clay Chronicles

• Words: Derek Beres
• Label: Brash
• XLR8R Rating: /10

An early friendship between two Atlantans inspired the musical careers of both India.Arie and Anthony David. Indeed, India sounds magnificent on the duet "Words," which is included on this sophomore outing. David's soulful guitar strumming and reliance on a dusky, woodsy, R&B-inflected voice that proves to be his calling card. His fervent slides on "Smoke One" and the funky "Sho Nuff" will make these tracks as memorable as any by Donny Hathaway and Bill Withers: "Everything is Everything" has that intimate, lean-on-him sort of soul.