The laughs were plentiful on Friday, September 17th, when legendary comedian Bruce Bruce graced the stage of the Improv in Washington D.C. I have been a fan of the comedy styling of Bruce Bruce for nearly two decades, and my first time getting hip to Bruce Bruce goes back to his days as the host of New Orleans 10th Anniversary Party Gras edition of BET’S Comic View.
Ira Coleman served as the MC of the night and Bruce’s opening act. Coleman took the stage around 7:40 and instantly won the crowd over with his rapid-fire jokes about his non-celebrity status, in addition to jokes about topics ranging from growing up down south to his parenting skills. Coleman impressed me so much with his comedy that I instantly followed him on the gram once his set was complete.
It was then time for the man of the hour to grace the stage. Bruce Bruce was met with thunderous applause and let the crowd know he was happy to be back in the DMV area. Throughout a 90-minute set, Bruce Bruce touched on numerous topics.
Joke topics included his weight, politics, and Hollywood. He even gave a TED talk to the men in the audience about the art of chivalry. This show was my first time seeing Bruce Bruce live, but it will not be the last. The next time he’s in town, I highly encourage you to check him out.
Final Grade: B
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.