17

SATURDAY

D.C.’s black pop radio dismisses Jheri-curled soul singers in garish suits like Johnnie Taylor, Tyrone Davis, and Clarence Carter as relics of the past. But others know better. Thanks to these Southern-rooted vocalists’ still impressive chops, energetic stage shows, and occasional good, new songs, they’ve maintained dedicated followings. Taylor’s new Taylored to Please may offer two lame remakes of his “Disco Lady,” but it also offers plaintive, octave-climbing ballads like “Cheatin’ on Me” and brisk-tempoed R&B in the style of his ’68 hit “Who’s Making Love.” Davis offers the pleading vocals that he used on his own ’68 hit “Can I Change My Mind,” and live is assisted by a tight, young band. Carter, once best-known for tearful laments like “Patches,” is these days best recognized for bawdy material like “Strokin’” and his comic, down-home between-song patter. At 7 p.m. at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW. $43. (202) 628-1818. (Steve Kiviat).