Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout 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 mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
