Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.