Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
