R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching 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 precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
