Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.