David Barbe

The Echo Lounge, Atlanta, GA • June 12, 1999

Roi J. Tamkin

David Barbe left Sugar because he wanted to be close to his home and family in Athens, Ga. But that hasn’t stopped him from recording. At the Echo Lounge, David and his band played out some new material for an upcoming CD, as well as music from his previous release. Supporting David and playing on the forthcoming CD are Atlanta musicians Fran Capitenelli (from Tom Collins) on guitar and Dan Dixon (from Dropsonic) on drums. The trio played before a small audience opening for Kid Silver and Macha.

A few of the songs were fast paced and allowed for the talented Capitenelli to show off his guitar skills. Most of the songs were slow and subdued. Much like the audience. Two loyal fans held the front of the stage, and about five feet behind them stood the rest of the audience. It looked more like a standoff between artist and audience than a concert. Even with a small crowd, a feeling of intimacy seemed to be lost.

Do not expect any songs to sound like Sugar. Unless you really liked his song “Frustration,” from Besides . But if you’re looking for something slow, mellow and introspective, then look for David Barbe. He promises to have a name for the band the next time he plays live. Which he’ll continue to do around Athens and Atlanta, never straying too far from home. ◼