Anthony B in Los Angeles

By Jan Salzman on Friday, January 20, 2012 - Photos by Jan Salzman - Comment

Anthony B played at The Dub Club, The Echoplex in Los Angeles, USA on January 4th.

Sampler

Anthony B has quite a musical history with about 25 albums, over 1000 singles and appearances on over 100 albums over the last 14 years. Born Keith Anthony Blair, on March 31, 1976 to very spiritual parents, in Clark’s Town, Trelawny, Jamaica, he has brought to the music industry spiritual consciousness and social convictions not unlike one of his greatest influences, the reggae legend Peter Tosh. In 1992 he made the trek to Kingston, Jamaica and soon linked up with well known music producer Richard “Bello” Bell of Star Trail Records which produced such massive hits as Raid the Barn and Fire Pon Rome. Anthony B started his own record label in 2002, Born Fire Records. His current tour is promoting Anthony’s latest album, 'Rasta Love'.

Anthony B setlist I timed my arrival at The Dub Club perfectly as I got there about 20 minutes before Anthony’s set, which allowed me time to set up my equipment and get into place for a spectacular show. Anthony B is a magnificent performer to watch as his energetic moves fill the stage with action as he chants his conscious lyrics. Always giving his all to every performance, Anthony B came onstage to Peter Tosh’s famous song Rastafari, delivering the song with power and strength. With such a vast repertoire to choose from, Anthony had quite a long set list of 20 songs. I was able to acquire Anthony’s set list at the end of the show (he saw me take it and laughed), so you can peruse the list to see your favorite songs. His high kicks and jumps while still singing amazed the crowd, who sang along with him through many of his songs. I had lots of fun taking photos throughout the set, trying to capture his high energy! He chose to save his biggest hits for last as he held his lighter high for Fire Pon Rome and then launched into Raid the Barn. There was a “pull up” as he started Raid the Barn and he ran off stage for a few moments coming back to delight the crowd completing the massive hit. He did a couple more songs during the encore which left the crowd with love and light and fully satisfied with his awesome performance.

I made my way backstage to put away my camera and say a brief hello. Anthony, charming as ever, gave me a big hug that put a smile on my face for the drive home. His self-produced new CD 'Rasta Love' is fantastic! Pick it up and support this wonderful artist. Don’t miss him if he comes to your town! Respect!