R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended 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 technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
