Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup 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 emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
