R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
