First, WLUP radio personalities Kevin Matthews and Danny Bonaduce talked up and warmed up the crowd. Next came actor/comedian Larry Miller with his self-deprecating humor. Then Connick arrived in his latest incarnation: da funkmeister. Or what he called funk, anyway.

If George Clinton were in the grave, he'd be spinning like a dervish. "Elevator Funk" is the best description of Connick's drollery which, like his "Frank Sinatra Lite phase," is merely competent and unthreatening.

Performing for tens of thousands of fans at the Petrillo Music Shell, Connick kicked off his world tour with a New Orleans-flavored excursion to his musical roots. Different styles abounded as he shifted from the galloping beat of "How Do Ya'll Know," to a boogie-woogie piano number, to a gospel medley of "Jesus on the Mainline" and "This Little Light of Mine."

But under Connick's hand, all these styles became little bits of saccharine, devoid of real feeling. His slick show had about as much sincerity as Joe Isuzu's patter, closer to Hollywood than New Orleans. There was even a Laurence Fishburne cameo, as the actor came onstage to lend a vocal assist during the encore.

But oh, that band. Guitarist Jonathan DuBose Jr., bassist Tony Hall, drummer Raymond Weber, trombonist Lucien Barbarin, percussionist Dave Miller and local baritone saxman Dave Schumacher were far better than their material. Allowed to stretch out, free of Connick's nanities, their free-flowing rhythms made your feet want to move.

But back to that Connick fellow, who was a problem: The musical pastiche that is his latest style was ultimately unconvincing, saddled by a self-conscious "ain't I cute"-ness. His performance of the first single from new album Star Turtle, "Hear Me in the Harmony," lurched along like a lame Neville Brothers parody.

Connick also flitted from instrument to instrument, noodling around on electric guitar and bass, in addition to his herky-jerky piano stylings.

This concert left you thinking: As a musician, Harry Connick Jr. is a fine showman.