Leslie Odom Jr. recently turned the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall into a dazzling Christmas experience. From the moment the Tony- and Grammy-winning star stepped onto the stage, one could feel the holiday spirit. Odom Jr. made a dramatic entrance dressed head to toe in black and even sporting a black cape with some sunglasses to tie it all together.
Backed by a four-piece band of guitar, keys, drums, and bass, Odom Jr. kicked off the night on Nov. 29 with his take on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” It was a sultry, slowed-down mix of the song, setting a cozy, but modern mood with some small alterations. The rest of the setlist was a mix of beloved classics and some newer songs. Odom Jr. very clearly has a strong influence on the songs he chooses, morphing them into a more R&B soulful mix. It brings a unique but very welcome new sound to the classics.
The band was not to be missed either, with each member having a solo on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” With the guitarist shredding the blues and the drummer sticking to a slick groove. A really unforgettable moment was when Odom Jr. gathered all band members around one mic to form an impromptu vocal quintet. They delivered a stunning rendition of “Jesus Gave Me Water.” Another striking moment was when Odom Jr. sang “Ave Maria” delivered in Latin.
Stream a rendition of “Ave Maria” by Leslie Odom Jr. on YouTube:
Between songs, Odom Jr. proved to be a charming storyteller with a strong stage presence. Treating the Baltimore crowd to a dramatic reading of “Twas the Night before Christmas.” He recited the poem, putting energy into every line as if it were a real experience. Most impressively was how Odom Jr. made the 2,500 some capacity venue feel so intimate. Commonly taking a moment away from the mic to banter about performing, even telling Baltimore that “ya’ll sound good tonight.” The crowd was very much a part of the show, clapping and singing their parts.
As the night came to a close, the familiar guitar strums of “Wait For It” rang out, and the theatre absolutely erupted. This signature song from Hamilton has been Odom’s calling card since 2015, and clearly hearing it live was the moment everyone was waiting for. Delivering an acoustic rendition, he delivered it with a soft intensity, prompting the loudest cheers of the night. You could feel the goosebumps as hundreds of fans softly sang, but let Odom Jr. take over and belt the climactic notes.
Leslie Odom Jr’s performance at the Meyerhoff was a show of talent, charisma, and true holiday spirit. He promised a night of “music, warmth, and joy,” and he surely over-delivered. Giving us in Baltimore a show with Broadway-level showmanship, accompanying classic cheer, and some more personal touches.
