R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
