Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with renditions 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
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
