It started out not the best of nights – the humidity was oppressive and the traffic snarl everywhere wasn’t much encouragement. People in the vicinity of the Araneta Coliseum that night would be only too eager to confirm this, I’m sure.
But Brian McKnight and Regine Velasquez called – well, at least two complimentary tickets to their Two for the Knight concert did. It was a Valentine’s offering too tempting to resist. While I’m no pop staple freak, when you fall in love there is no such thing as cheese. I’d gladly trade the power chords for the delicate plucking of an acoustic guitar in the name of that four-letter thing. But enough of these syrupy appetizers. Let’s get down to the main course.
"In a day when R&B songs have become watered-down generalizations about love, Brian McKnight stands out as one of the 1990s’ most sincerely romantic songwriters," gushed one Internet scribe. This is not hard to see – especially when you were among the thousands of people that packed the Araneta and willingly entrusted the blessed night of the 14th to McKnight’s romantic elixir. By the way, the guy has his own arcade at his Los Angeles abode (you lucky bastard!).
McKnight’s musical roots are supposed to lie primarily in gospel and jazz. While in high school, he had composed a number of jazz instrumentals and, get this, had formed a jazz-fusion ensemble by the age of 17.
However, the lad was kicked out of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama for sneaking a girl into his room. The authorities of the school that is strictly rooted in Seventh Day Adventist fundamentals were clearly not amused. But as it often turns out, misfortunes prove to be doors to better things.
Brian found himself with more time to devote to songwriting. When he was 19, he penned 65 songs during summer. Mercury Records snapped the artist up within two weeks of hearing his demo.
As per Filipino standard, the concert started an hour later than the appointed time of 8 p.m. But that was okay, a lot more people were stranded outside desperately looking for parking slots. Two for the Knight was well under way when my date and I found our seats.
Regine was in a silver-black gown and way-high heels, singing a duet with McKnight, who was ably tinkering with the keyboards. They sang Whenever You Call, which Brian originally sang with a pre-breakdown Mariah Carey. Regine, with her complement of high notes in tow, did an improvement with her brilliant voice (compared to the then breathy squeak of Mariah). Score a point for Filipino ability – which McKnight was only too willing to acknowledge.
Brian later took a breather backstage while Regine ably kept the audience riveted. She regaled the fans with standard tunes and her OPM hits (don’t ask me what, but I’m sure they sounded familiar, thank you very much). The audience was certainly appreciative of both Regine’s talent and her joy de vivre, especially during her giggly spiel about her concert partner. She must have said "sheeet" a gazillion times.
Brian then retook the stage, seamlessly weaving his way through songs while displaying equal dexterity with the guitar and keyboards. McKnight sang You’re My Kind of Girl, a duet with Justin "Britney’s Babe" Timberlake. Video footage of Justin appeared on a couple of projection screens while his recorded voice accompanied McKnight’s live rendition on stage. It called to mind Natalie Cole’s duets with her departed dad, the great Nat King Cole.
Another highlight of the show was when Mc-Knight pulled MTV VJ Belinda Panelo up on stage. He admitted that she was a "special girl" to him and that they’ve been spending time recently. A million pogi points to Brian for the candor and the courage. When was the last time you were serenaded in public and presented with a bouquet of roses?
Of course, everyone was waiting for the hit One Last Cry. When McKnight did sing the opening bars, you nearly couldn’t hear his voice above the din of thousands yelling themselves hoarse. People settled down long enough to wave wave their cell phones in the air (whatever happened to lighters?), creating an illusion of blanket of stars. Sigh, how romantic, indeed!
So don’t believe everything you hear, or rest in everything you believe. There is room for mush – especially when it has this much musical value. Brian has the Filipino taste in his pocket. A true purveyor of love notes.