Heinz Hall, which is typically filled with formal gowns and tuxedos, had a different flare last night (July 24th) as Boyz II Men brought their Motown sound to Pittsburgh for their annual visit.
Two years ago, I had the luxury of partaking in a concert that featured the R&B group at the same venue, debuting their first live performance with an orchestra. Not much has changed over the last 24 months. They still look and sound the same.
The group visited the Consol Energy Center in 2013 as a headliner for a tour with 98 Degrees and New Kids on the Block. But, it was the symphony accompaniment that was the icing on the cake for this Boyz II Men experience.
The most underrated element of last night’s concert was the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Led by Resident Conductor Lawrence Loh, the orchestra was precise, crisp and harmonized with my favorite jams like “One Sweet Day”, “Water Runs Dry”, and “End of the Road”.
Wanya Morris was doing too much, as usual. At times, I thought he was actually miming. I overheard one woman say Wanya was “showing off”.
Overall, I chalked his spontaneous gestures and movements as a gimmick. History tells me that’s just the way Wanya gets down on stage. What I interpreted as minor exaggeration is probably who he is when it performing time.
The classy venue did not stop the middle-aged women from marking their territory with quick rush to the front stage when the Philadelphia boy band began to sing “I’ll Make Love To You”.
I witnessed several women do some unnecessary things at a chance to grab a complimentary rose from a member of the group. As they pushed and shoved through the serenade, I just sipped my Kermit the Frog tea.
The ladies’ love for Boyz II Men only solidified that the group still holds the romantic, sex appeal that they introduced to the world more than 20 years ago.
Boyz II Men will release their eleventh studio album on September 30th entitled “Collide”. The album will feature two singles, “Better Half” & “Diamond Eyes”.
Concert Report Card: B+
The only two times I have seen Boyz II Men in concert they were missing a quarter of the group. I’m wondering if I’m cheated the full Boyz II Men experience with the absence of Michael McCary, who left the group in 2003.
A huge shout out to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, who simply makes even legendary, iconic music sound even more elegant.
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