POP MUSIC REVIEW : Johnny Gill Steams up the Amphitheatre

Subtlety? Obviously it doesn’t have an exalted place in Johnny Gill’s vocabulary, judging from his concert at the Universal Amphitheatre on Sunday. But the R&B; singer definitely knows the meaning of words like strip , bump-and-grind , sexy . . . .

Young, lean and handsome, Gill--part R&B; crooner and part Chippendales dancer--steamed up the audience with overheated ballads like “My, My, My” from his hit Motown album, “Johnny Gill.” Though unabashedly using sexuality to reach his primarily female audience--which seemed in an advanced state of ecstasy most of the time--he’s not just a tawdry bump-and-grinder.

Blessed with a first-rate repertoire of seductive love songs, Gill is an excellent singer, possibly the finest of the new crop. Along with a decent vocal range, he has great command of the melodramatic R&B; ballad technique, with its gospel shadings and ferocious twisting and turning of notes.

Gill, also still a member of New Edition, has certainly polished his performing style in the last six months. He’s much more confident, intense and skilled at connecting with his audience.

The opening set by Michel’le, was spirited but inept. The young soul singer’s vocals were strained and often off-key. She was trying to be a R&B; belter but lacks the range and vocal flexibility. By setting more realistic goals and staying within her limits, her show would markedly improve.