A Laid-Back Jon B Gets Sentimental

After kicking off his Greek Theatre concert with a musical nod to P-Funk on Thursday, R&B; artist Jon B and his band slipped into a smoother, more seductive groove, reflecting the young vocalist’s closer stylistic ties to the romantic pop of Babyface, Prince and Marvin Gaye. Though the 80-minute show had some spark, the laid-back mood and singular subject matter proved monotonous.

The 23-year-old performer had three basic messages: “I love you” . . . “I’m heartbroken” . . . and “I want you.” Backed by a 12-piece band, he offered such sentiments from his platinum-selling second album, “Cool Relax,” as well as earlier hits.

Just having a band set him far above the cheesy tape accompaniment of opening vocal groups Destiny’s Child and Jagged Edge, but Jon B’s live blend of traditional R&B; elements and modern hip-hop flavors wasn’t as lush or distinctive as the recording.

Though the charismatic performer had no trouble executing such crowd-pleasing moves as crotch-grabbing, neighborhood shout-outs and bringing fans on stage, he could have projected his warm tenor more forcefully. His impressive falsetto soared, however, on such ballads as the sweetly reassuring “They Don’t Know.”

He sealed the emotional connection at set’s end, using the opening bars of “Are U Still Down” as a spare piano tribute to the late rapper Tupac Shakur, who collaborated on the hit. Then he fired up the band, drove home the tune’s funky come-on and reluctantly said good night.