Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
