R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.