R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions 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 Impressions
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
