Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Behind the scenes, Jon B would’ve had an enviable enough career as a writer for the giant likes of the Spice Girls, Toni Braxton, Color Me Badd and countless others, along with lending his remixing ear to Michael Jackson’s mammoth “You Are Not Alone.”

However, it was merely scratching the surface of what was to come once his artist side signed with Tracey Edmonds’ Sony-distributed record label and came to the attention of her husband and ace producer Babyface.

Though they were all unstoppable together throughout 1995’s platinum-plus debut “Bonafide,” Jon B more than doubled the sales of its follow-up, “Cool Relax,” cementing a streak that continued well into the 2000s.

It was no wonder why the swanky City Winery was jammed, though thankfully never at the expense of comfort, to see the silky R&B vocalist/keyboardist opening a double header, which resumes with a low ticket alert on Tuesday, January 24.

Along with a flavorful three-piece band, Jon B brought a bouquet of super smooth and romantic soul, almost all of which came straight from his pen, including such standouts as “Shine,” “Someone To Love” and “I Do (Whatcha Say Boo).”

“Don’t Say” took a jazzy turn thanks to a bit of Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do For Love,” plus influencers as wide as New Edition’s “Can You Stand The Rain,” Guy’s “Let’s Chill,” Mint Condition’s “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes),” Sade’s “The Sweetest Taboo” and MJ’s “Rock With You” made their way into a medley.

Even so, Jon B’s extensive catalogue was the primary focus, reaching a continuous climax throughout “They Don’t Know,” “Are U Still Down” (featuring 2Pac’s final rap on record) and “Don’t Talk,” while the headliner echoed appreciation to the audience for affording him such longevity and found it reciprocated with a much-deserved standing ovation.

For additional information on Jon B, visit JonBWorld.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Jon B (Jan. 24); Brian Courtney Wilson (Jan. 25); Damon Williams (Jan. 26); Kevin Nealon (Jan. 27-28); The Prince Experience (Jan. 29); Miki Howard & Glenn Jones (Jan. 30–Jan. 31); The Hamiltones (Feb. 1); Thomas Allen (Feb. 2); Back 2 Mac (Feb. 3); Such (Feb. 4); Anthony David (Feb. 5); J-L Cauvin & Kevin McCaffrey (Feb. 7); BLKBOK (Feb. 8); Howard Hewett (Feb. 9); Pat McGee, Alice Peacock & Chris Trapper (Feb. 10); Wine & Crime (Feb. 11); Eleri Ward (Feb. 12); Sheila E. (Feb. 13-14); Ana Popovic (Feb. 15); Lalah Hathaway (Feb. 16-18); Denny Laine (Feb. 19); Dave Mason (Feb. 20-21); Enter The Haggis (Feb. 22); Chris Knight (Feb. 23); Anders Osborne (Feb. 25); Talib Kweli (Feb. 26); Marqueal Jordan (Feb. 27) and Bowen * Young (Feb. 28). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

Related Articles

City Winery hangs on the sophisticated soul and flashy funk of Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene Dance diva CeCe Peniston “Finally” comes full circle, shouts out the house scene at City Winery Musiq Soulchild: “Feel The Real” Tour at City Winery Meelah (702, “R&B Divas”): “Now You’re Mad” Tour at City Winery Resilient “R&B Diva” Chanté Moore offers City Winery an uplifting “Christmas Back To You” A crowded City Winery “Can’t Wait Another Minute” for revived R&B hit makers Hi-Five Chicago’s own soulful jazz singer and movie star Miki Howard moves City Winery Miki Howard: “Live In Concert” Tour at City Winery