R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live 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.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
