Have an earful of sexy soul

If Keith Martin finds the time to check out the Brian McKnight/Boyz II Men show at the Ultra tonight then it will be a reunion of sorts for three of country’s favorite soul acts. McKnight is one of Martin’s idols, while he worked extensively with Boyz II Men as songwriter and producer when they were starting out. In fact, it was Boyz Mike "Bass" McCary who started Keith off on his singing career.

"I was fine with writing and producing but Mike kept egging me to try singing," recalls Keith. "In fact, he was the one who brought me to Sony where I made my first album It’s Long Overdue. That was where Because of You first came out. It was the last cut. I am so glad that you guys like my song."

As every Pinoy knows by now Because of You, is the love song of the season. Years from now, when you look back to Valentine’s Day, 2004, the song you will hear in your memory soundtrack will be Keith Martin’s Because of You. Keith sings it. There are two versions in his new album Love of My Life. Kyla sings it. Her rendition is in the Perfectly Acoustic all Filipino artists compilation. Both versions are getting heavy airplay and in music TV too. Try hopping from one joint to another with live performers this weekend and you will surely find most of them taking a crack at Because of You.

Unfortunately for Keith, Mike is not in town. That should not worry Boyz fans though. As they proved when they were here a year ago, Wanya "Squirt" Morris, Shawn "Slim" Stockman and Nathan "Alex-Vanderpool" Morris can deliver their great hits like I’ll Make Love to You and On Bended Knee just as well. Besides, there is every chance they can be a foursome again soon. "Anything can happen," the Boyz say. "Mike is spending time with his family but he might return to performing anytime soon."

Although they have worked together before, this is the first time that McKnight and the Boyz are doing a show together. "We do not really know what will happen," says Brian. "We are playing it by ear. Maybe we will do a separate show or we can do some songs together." It is fact though that whatever they decide on will result in a truly romantic evening for their fans. "It should be only the beginning," says Brian. "The show should lead to something more romantic later."

Brian, who just recently got his divorce, is concentrating on his career as singer, producer, songwriter, etc. etc. He is putting together a new album and has set up a film and TV producing company. "I am looking over some materials." He might also try acting one of these days. Of course, there is also his continuing passion for basketball. Brian could have been another Michael Jordan but the music came along. So he now divides his time between the two. "I moonlight. I have to because I own the team and right now the music is what’s paying for it."

Brian and the Boyz will fly off to Indonesia for another show tomorrow morning. But although they are here for only three days, they are certainly glad to be in town again. "We like it here. You guys make it easy for us to come back." This must be Brian’s third or fourth time. Why, he has given some songs to Martin Nievera and even recorded one of his own works in Tagalog. This is the second time for the Boyz and you can bet it will not be the last. As for Keith, he must be Manila’s newest adopted son. "Everyone loves real music here," he says.

Keith’s new album release is Love of My Life and I do not think anybody will regret spending on a copy. Now he may think of himself as primarily a songwriter and producer but the truth is Keith is a very gifted singer who can put so much expression in every word he sings. The first single release is the title track. I am sure his fans will also like Love Doesn’t Care, Silly Heart and Can We Go Back. There is also a live recorded Boyz II Men Medley where Keith is joined by local talents Jay R, Mark Laygo and Christian Puerto. And two versions of Because of You, the original and an acoustic version.

For lots of romantic R&B catch Brian McKnight and Boyz II Men tonight at the Ultra. Before that though there is Keith who will be at Robinsons Galleria this afternoon to promote his album. Then at Robinsons Place Manila tomorrow; the Robinsons Starmills Pampanga on Sunday; the Robinsons Place Novaliches on Feb. 21, Robinsons Place Sta. Rosa on Feb. 22; Robinsons Place Lipa on Feb. 28; Robinsons Place Imus on Feb. 29; Robinsons Place Iloilo on March 6 and Robinsons Place Bacolod on March 7.