Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
