Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
