HOUSTON — Bobby Brown was back with New Edition -- and his ostentatious behaviour stood out when he was paired with the soulful group.

Brown, who left New Edition in the 1980s for a solo career, reunited with the band Sunday night for two songs at the Essence Music Festival.

As the other five members moved to slick choreography Sunday, Brown ran around the stage wildly and performed raunchy dance moves.

The crowd was brought to its feet with their performance of the 1985 hit, Mr. Telephone Man.

Brown then left the stage, and the remainder of the group -- original members Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe, plus Johnny Gill, who replaced Brown -- performed several ballads.

Brown followed with a solo set that started with Don't Be Cruel, then quickly turned to more raunchy dancing and talk about his sex life with wife Whitney Houston.

By the time he finished with My Prerogative, Brown was shirtless and many in the audience were screaming for him to get off the stage.