Bruno Mars ascends in Vancouver

Grammy Award winner Bruno Mars performs at Wells Fargo Center on June 24, 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Atlantic Records)

“Welcome to the Moonshine Jungle Tour,” beamed Bruno Mars, two songs into his concert at a packed Rogers Arena in Vancouver last night. “We’re here to get you moving, shaking and sweating a little bit.”

The crowd needed little extra encouragement. Over those first two tracks, “Moonshine” and “Natalie,” Mars had them on their feet and in the palm of his hand, combining a hefty dose of swagger with the initial lessons in a nightlong pocket history of American music.

Michael Jackson, naturally, along with classic Motown and Atlantic soul, were the obvious and explicit influences. But as the tracks mounted up so did the nods to the past; Mars channelling Earth, Wind and Fire disco funk in “Treasure,” ripping out a Chuck Berry guitar solo during a cover of the Motown/Beatles hit “Money,” dropping Genuwine and R. Kelly hooks into “Show Me” and unashamedly busting out James Brown moves for chunks of “Runaway Baby.”

It’s that combination of old and relatively new that’s created a uniquely broad pop demographic, grandparents, grandchildren and plenty of 20-something ladies all happily singing along. But it’s pure showmanship that’s taken Bruno Mars to the highest realm of pop royalty. His band was in inspired form, matching effortless musicianship with an obvious love for the songs and their performance.

Mars was happy to share the limelight, as the three-man horn section, guitarist, bassist and backing vocalist would regularly hop into formation to perform some vintage Temptations-style choreography. It definitely wasn’t the slickest dancing that’s been seen on the Rogers Arena stage this year, but it’ll probably be the most joyful.

The further Mars dug into the past, the more he appeared to enjoy himself.

“I’m in love with old school music,” he confessed by way of introduction to “If I Knew,” a track that concluded with a genuinely funny tongue-in-cheek group flirtation; the horn section and backing vocalist Philip Lawrence all taking turns to try their best lines on a lucky young lady called Jennifer. Mars was happy to take a back seat and enjoy the spectacle.

“I’m so lonely on the road,” he sighed unconvincingly. “I just need to talk to someone.”

When the moment came to switch from comedy to tragedy, Mars made the transition effortlessly.

“This was the hardest song for me to write and it’s the hardest song for me to sing,” he insisted, before launching into “When I Was Your Man,” a definitely fan favourite, judging by the sea of cell phones that emerged to document the moment.

Bruno Mars’ music may be focused on matters female, but it didn’t mean he was neglecting the fellas.

“If you’re here tonight with that special lady,” he explained during a breakdown in “Nothin’ On You”, “look her in the eye and say…damn!”

The inevitable finale of “Just the Way You Are” prompted mass outbreaks of sing-alongs and make-out sessions. Proof to the positive that Bruno Mars is more than a great entertainer. He’s a great wingman too.

Breaking with tradition by following the ridiculous with the sublime, the encore began with Mars cracking out a blistering drum solo on a rising podium – yet another skill he’s absolutely fabulous at. The explosive encore finished with “Locked out of Heaven” and “Gorilla,” Mars ending the show back atop the podium, high above his band, soaring at the top of his vocal range while fountains of sparks flew around him.

The homage to Michael Jackson was unmistakable and entirely justified. Mars has taken the best of the late pop giant (songs dripping with ideas and hooks) while elegantly dismissing the downsides (the complete disconnect with reality).

The new King of Pop has been crowned. The next time Bruno Mars arrives in Vancouver he’ll be playing BC Place.