Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Singer/songwriter/radio personality Raheem DeVaughn once described himself as an “R&B hippie neo-soul rock star,” which after regular comparisons to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway and D’Angelo, is certainly a fitting description.

Even so, the double BET Award winner and triple Grammy nominee forged his own path towards becoming “The Love King” throughout the last two decades, resulting in no less than six sold out shows at the swanky City Winery, including two to go on Friday, December 27 and Sunday, December 29.

In terms of the opening night’s late edition on the “The Quiet Storm Lover” Tour, DeVaughn brought over 90 minutes of romance-soaked soulfulness pulled from acclaimed earlier projects, especially “The Love Experience” and “Love Behind The Melody,” through the just as prolific present.

They included “Heart Strings,” “Favorite Thing To Do,” “Countdown To Love” and “Let’s Fall In Love” as the silky-voiced headliner got into the sensual groove, backed by a four-piece band and the visual aids of a few trusty bedroom props.

“Mo’ Better,” “Temperature’s Rising,” “Black Ice Cream” were additional examples of his poetic and playful lyrics, each bringing vintage influences to contemporary contexts and a chance to regularly pass out roses.

In between, DeVaughn also explored a huge house music medley, Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” plus interwove brief nods to Boyz II Men, Babyface, Luther Vandross, Earth, Wind & Fire and The Isley Brothers.

His chart-topping anthem of appreciation, “Woman,” was another crest dedicated to the multitude of lovely, phone-waving ladies, while the serenade continued during “Mr. Midnight” and “Don’t Come Easy.”

It all came to a close with “Customer” when DeVaughn asked, “can I take your order?” before going into the crowd to offer the ways he’d be willing to please, which when applied to the City Winery, was precisely the kind of performance that left everyone feeling fully satisfied.

For additional information on Raheem DeVaughn, visit RaheemDeVaughnOnline.global.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Raheem DeVaughn (Dec. 27); Terisa Griffin (Dec. 28); Raheem DeVaughn (Dec. 29); Eric Roberson (Dec. 30); Paula Poundstone (Dec. 31); Unteachables Comedy (Jan. 1); A Quincy Jones Celebration Presented By PureSoul (Jan. 2); Kindred The Family Soul (Jan. 3-4); Beatles Brunch (Jan. 5); Jahari Stampley (Jan. 5); Adam Ness (Jan. 6); Smells Like Nirvana (Jan. 8); Jenipher Jones (Jan. 9); The Grateful String Band (Jan. 10); Abbey Road (Jan. 11); Anita Wilson (Jan. 12); Polky (Jan. 13); Lynne Jordan (Jan. 14); Omar (Jan. 15); George Willborn (Jan. 16); Howard Hewett (Jan. 18); Midnight Sun (Jan. 19-20); Alfonzo Jones & The Universal Sonic Diaspora (Jan. 21); Chrisette Michele (Jan. 22-23); Stephen Kellogg (Jan. 24); YahZarah (Jan. 26); Close Enemies featuring Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith (Jan. 28); Mindy Smith (Jan. 30) and Keith Washington (Jan. 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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