Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, 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 profoundly heartfelt 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, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
