R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her set, 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 delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers 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
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
