Why Brian McKnight keeps coming back to PH

Brian McKnight

In terms of pure vocal ability, there aren’t too many male singers in R&B or in pop who can hang with Brian McKnight. He has power to go with his velvety tenor. He can soar high and swoop low. His elasticity allows him to perform intricate riffs and other soulful embellishments at lightning speed.

And despite having been in the scene for about 30 years now, Brian still has these qualities pretty much intact. How does he take care of his instrument?

“I have always believed that, if I keep my body and mind in shape, my voice will follow,” he told the Inquirer in a recent e-mail interview arranged by Mediasync Productions.

This Dec. 4 at The Theatre at Solaire and Dec. 5 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Filipino fans will once again hear the American musician’s voice breathe life into his slew of hit tunes, including “One Last Cry,” “Back at One,” “Anytime” and “6,8,12.” He will be joined by guests Joaquin Garcia, JV Decena and Natasha Saas.

“It will truly be a retrospective of my music from day one to the present,” related Brian, who last held a full concert in the country two years ago.

The rest of the Inquirer interview with Brian:

What keeps you coming back? Do you have any memorable experiences with Filipino fans? My fans are always my No. 1 priority for coming back. If they want to see me, I will always return. And every time I come back, I get to see and, sometimes, work with some of the best singers in the world, in the Philippines.

You have collaborated with Kyla and Regine Velasquez. Are you open to working with other Filipinos? I’m sure I will, but there’s nothing in the works at the moment.

Christmas is just around the corner. How do you usually celebrate it? This will be the first Christmas with my wife (Filipino-Hawaiian Leilani Mendoza, whom Brian married last January and described as “the best thing that has ever happened to me”). So I’m really excited about that.

You’re working on an album, “Bedtime Story.” How are things coming along? It’s going to be 60 minutes of love music.

How would you compare today’s R&B to your generation’s? I don’t really compare them because they’re very different. These kids are creating their music the way they hear it, which is different with every generation.

Are you compelled to follow musical trends? Or do you stick to your instincts and experience? A combination of both—walking a fine line between classic and brand new.