R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
