::RECAP:: Anthony Hamilton Live at Howard Theatre

::RECAP:: Anthony Hamilton Live at Howard Theatre
by Daniel Harris

It seems that there are many areas in music that are fabricated and manufactured. With modern technology, it is possible to give people "skillful" voices. People with limited musicianship can produce chart topping tracks. Last Wednesday at The Howard Theatre, Anthony Hamilton showed us there is one element in music that cannot be fabricated or manufactured: the cool!

Cool is an element that is seriously missing from the modern live performance. Marvin, Prince, Michael and James ( to name a select few) never felt the need to..oh, I don't know, leap across an entire crowd of people? They all relied on their amazing skill and electrifying energy. Last week, Anthony Hamilton embodied this energy.

The premier Washington, DC venue was literally filled from top to bottom with people anxiously awaiting Anthony Hamilton's performance. From the very moment he took the stage, Hamilton gave the capacity crowd everything they were hoping for!

As he performed hits like "Pray For Me", "Prayin' For You" and his classic "Charlene", Hamilton's soulful voice was very reminiscent of before the aforementioned manufacturings and fabrications. He displayed perfect showmanship, tight harmony with his background singers and excellent chemistry and oneness with his band. One could almost close their eyes and be taken back to the Howard Theatre circa 1960!

As much of the nation celebrated the 50th anniversary of the "I Have A Dream Speech", Anthony Hamilton took a few minutes out of his performance to pay his respects with a wonderful rendition of Otis Redding's "A Change Is Gonna Come."

Cool cannot be made. Cool cannot be focus grouped. Cool just is. And Last Wednesday evening, Anthony Hamilton showed his audience at The Howard Theatre that he is indeed, very cool.