Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
