R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
