When Boyz II Men sing, people have a hard time sitting still.
A well-mixed audience of about 19,000 grooved to the sweet soulful refrains, catchy rhythms and cool, easy harmonies that filled the Delta Center Monday night. It was a night many will remember.Opening with the power and energy of "Under Pressure," the Ivy-League, suit-clad four-man group from Philadelphia brought its brand of Motownphilly to Utah.
The backup band, consisting of drums, percussion, three keyboards, a bass and guitar, pumped out step-easy beats that highlighted bass vocalist Michael "Bass" McCary, baritone Nathan "Alex Vanderpool" Morris and tenors Wanya (pronounced Wan Yay) "Squirt" Morris (no relation to Nathan) and Shawn "Slim" Stockman.
Without a pause, the band and Boyz funked into "Little Things" and "Your Love."
Throughout the show, Boyz livened up each arrangement with energetic choreography and tight, dramatic pauses. A dazzling light show, comprised of laser-effects, rotos, wandering spots and colorful stage lights dimensionalized the set.
"Please Don't Go" and "Uhh Ahh," both taken from the group's smash debut "Cooleyhighharmony," were among the many offered crowd-pleasers. Boyz then harmoniously sang the sentimental "Trying Times" that featured McCary's easy-spoken soliloquy, taken from the "II" album. Couples throughout the audience slow-danced along.
The hip-hop flavored "U Know" got the crowd moving again.
Most of the evening's selections began with a simple introduction by either Nathan, Wanya or Stockman. McCary kept himself busy with spoken sentiment and moving harmonies.
The group slowed down with "50 Candles" and pulled out bar stools and serenaded the crowd during the No. 1 hit single "On Bended Knee."
Even sitting, the group managed to synchronize its wave and sway. And with a dramatic, heartfelt moment, Wanya lifted his stool above his head and threw it behind him as he dropped to his knees. Then Stockman hushed the crowd and the band ended the songs.
After a smooth keyboard solo, Boyz appeared on a rotating platform and chimed out the a capella gospelesque "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" from "Cooleyhighharmony."
Wanya held his ground in total control as his soulful tenor touched the ceiling. Then after a quick change, Boyz serenaded the audience with the Grammy winner (and second No. 1 hit single) "I'll Make Love to You." During that song, Boyz - dressed in red, yellow, blue and green suits - emerged from under the stage on an orchestra-pit lift and threw roses to the crowd.
After a formal introduction, given by Stockman, Boyz II Men, aided by a drummer, violinist and bassist, chanted out "Water Runs Dry" through actual falling rain and billowing fog. The audience danced dreamily during that magical moment.
The show-capper was a flashy, energetic spurt of "Motownphilly." Stockman, McCary and the Morrises ran out directly above the audience, via a lowered, metal-grid catwalk, thus bringing them closer (almost enough to touch) to the audience.
"End of the Road" from the Eddie Murphy film "Boomerang" reverently closed Boyz' tight, sentimental and energetic set as the audience became the backup singers to the group.
The night began with the R&B of separate opening acts Subway and Brandy with their own dance-friendly choreography and show-biz savvy.
The boys who comprise Subway (average age 14) bumped and grinded around to their single "Fire" as the impish, 15-year-old Brandy sang her hits "My Best Friend," "I Wanna Be Down" and her Top 10 hit "Baby."