BRIAN McKNIGHT
With Special Guest

We arrived at Universal Amphitheater and walked down the beautifully lit Universal Citywalk to the door. Once inside we finally found our seats and settled back to enjoy the show. The first thing I noticed was the intimate feel of the stage set up. Soft lighting, candles, a bed with large comfy pillows covered in silk, all came together to set a mood for the soul stirring songs that came from "Eric Benet's" sexy lips. I also liked the way he had the back section of the stage draped off and only used a small portion of the stage. It kept Eric close to you and gave the whole show an intimacy that made you feel as if he was singing directly to you. Reading from his journal was also a nice touch of intimacy that made his plaintive cries in song endearing.

The song Eric was singing when we entered the theater was a duet with surprise guest Tamia, "Spend My Life With You." It was a beautiful love song sung with a very beautiful girl. They held the audience rapt right until the last note.

The next song, "Femininity," was very groovy. The duet, sung with one of his talented backup singers, was a hit. The wonderful melody, along with the highs and lows reached by each singer, gave the piece a sensual feel. Both myself and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the give and take in this song. I know the reason Eric takes off his shoes and socks is to ward off stage fright during a performance, and that it helps him to feel comfortable on stage, but I still think it is very sexy and he has beautiful feet. In between this song and the next, Eric made a quick change in the back. The leather vest and pants, with no shirt, were gorgeous. He gave new meaning to the word "FINE!!" He came out into the crowd during the next number and every woman in the orchestra section tried to get to the front to see him up close and personal. The clothes, body, and bare feet were a sexy combination that was hard for a woman to resist. When Eric sang his hit "When You Think Of Me," he held each woman in the room enthralled like a snakecharmer's cobra. We all rose from our chairs and paid homage to an obvious master of performance.

Eric gave us all we wanted and more. I have found that many artists today can be very disappointing performing live, but "Eric Benet" is definitely not one of them. He sounded even better live, adding new dimensions to each song with his soulful, sensual voice. Eric sang very sensual songs and moved in a very sensual way to every one of them.

The last song, "Georgy Porgy," is one of my favorites. Eric asked the audience to help him out with this one, rocking the house with everyone up out of their seats and singing along to the well known words. He played the audience very well with the lyrics and finished with a bang.

Eric's band was TIGHT, they were on the beat, with excellent sound, and are a very cohesive bunch. "Eric Benet" definitely sang his ASS OFF!! I loved the way both Eric, and then Brian, talked about being in a committed, loving relationship, how wonderful it is to be with the person they love, and how they like to sing about it.

"Brian McKnight's" show had great production. The lighting, dancers, intro film and theatrical speaking at the beginning of the show all came together to look very professional. Even the flash and smoke was cool. Brian sang a mix of his old and new songs. Although he didn't sing any of the old songs all the way through, he still sang enough to make you say, "That's my song, girl, that's my song."

I really didn't think that Brian's band was as tight as Eric's, but they still did a wonderful job down to the "booty shaking" bassist. "Brian McKnight's" show started with a bang but got a little draggy at the end. I think he sang too many of his new songs that the audience didn't recognize.

The costumes for Brian McKnight and his cast, though, were gorgeous. I especially loved the costume change Brian made on stage (behind a screen of course). He played guitar, keyboard and even danced. It was fun to watch, listen and enjoy.

My favorite part of Brian's show was when he gave thanks to God for all that he has done. He sang a beautiful gospel song and became filled with the spirit in front of thousands of people. A healthy commitment to God is always a wonderful thing and not being ashamed to tell the world about it is even better.

All in all it was a great concert! If you get a chance to see this one, don't miss it!!!