Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
