R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
