Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing 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.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
