Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
