Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs 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 solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
