R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances 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 Impressions
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
