R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs 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 single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
