Photos by Andy Argyrakis

A decade into an accomplished career is an ideal point to look back at someone’s artistic accomplishments, which is exactly what Anthony David is doing throughout a series of intimate winter evenings at the classy City Winery and elsewhere.

The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/guitarist and Gulf War veteran, who’s shared the stage with India.Arie, John Legend, Angie Stone, Algebra Blessett and his cousin, Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, amongst others, is the subject of the recent compilation, “Heaven: The Best Of Anthony David.”

The near capacity crowd was treated to many of those tunes featuring his acoustic/introspective blend of R&B, folk, gospel and reggae, which has often drawn quite accurate comparisons to the late great Bill Withers and even made the personal playlist of Chicago’s own President Barack and Michelle Obama.

Yet throughout 90 minutes, faithful were reminded how the Savannah, Georgia native carved out his own place as a solo artist and frequent collaborator, addressing various subjects of romance and social consciousness on the way.

They included “As Above So Below,” “Let Me In,” “Body Language” and “Spittin’ Game,” all wrapped around the headliner’s warm vocals and strums, guest guitarist Brandon A. Thomas, plus their organic interplay.

The soulful sounds and thought-provoking conversations continued with “Heartstrings,” “Cold Turkey,” and of course “Words,” his dynamite duet alongside Arie that led to both her SoulBird label and Universal Republic.

David also incorporated slices of everyone from hip-hop heroes A Tribute Called Quest, to England’s jazzy Level 42 and the Motown of The Temptations, in addition to Withers’ entire “Lovely Day,” making a point to personalize each, rather than merely replicate the originals.

Another excellent example was BeBe & CeCe Winans’ “Heaven,” including a recording of duet partner Blessett, which was followed by his familiar “4Evermore” bookending Keith Sweat’s “Make It Last Forever” as the City Winery swayed and savored every last exceptional drop.

For additional information on Anthony David, visit Bio.To/AnthonyDavid.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Scott Thompson (Jan. 11); Dave Hollister (Jan. 12); Maysa (Jan. 13); Soul Brunch (Jan. 14); Midnight Sun (Jan. 14-15); Beatlemania Again (Jan. 16); Damon Williams (Jan. 17); The Grateful String Band (Jan. 18); Peach Jam: A Tribute To The Allman Brothers Band (Jan. 19); The Voices Of Motown (Jan. 20); Jacques Ze Whipper (Jan. 22); Creed Bratton (Jan. 23); Saneit (Jan. 24); Vinyasa & Vino (Jan. 25); Jahari Stampley (Jan. 25); Soul Brunch (Jan. 27); Stephen Kellogg (Jan. 27); Adam Conover (Jan. 28); Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest (Jan. 29); City Of Laughs (Jan. 30) and Denise Thimes: The Best Of Nina Simone & Phyllis Hyman (Jan. 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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