R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing 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 crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
