Energy, charisma, talent and humour were all in abundance from the consummate showman before an expectant crowd at the Jazz Café on Tuesday 22nd January 2013.
Having heard a handful of songs and seen a few videos of live performances from Brian McKnight I knew to expect a strong showing, but did not expect to see such passion and interaction with an audience as I did.
After a tub-thumping start on the bass guitar to the tune of The Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" to set the scene, McKnight proceeded to do what he does best before a live audience. He paid reverence to those artists whom he credits for inspiring him in his own songwriting, before singing short samples of such songs: Prince's "Little Red Corvette", Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" and Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed" were all delivered in his own unique way.
Songs from McKnight's repertoire were performed almost effortlessly, with the occasional break to share stories and jokes with his audience also entertaining. One female fan in particular surely went away with a memory not to forget, as McKnight serenaded her and presented a bouquet of flowers to her on stage (much to the tongue-in-cheek chagrin of her husband)!
McKnight devoted much of his stage time indulging audience members by taking requests of personal favourites, before rounding things off with signature songs "Anytime", "Back at One" and the timeless "One Last Cry".
It is easy to see why his music has endured in an industry that has evolved into a cut-throat business since his emergence. Now in the twenty-first year since his debut album, Brian McKnight shows no sign of relenting.
Credit is also due for Divine Brown, whose impassioned performance captivated audience members ahead of the headline act - such a strong voice is deserving of future success.