R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions 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 Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
