R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
