R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas 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.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.