Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured 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 Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
