R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up 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 deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, 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
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
