Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle 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 emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured covers 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 Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
