Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For 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 finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
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 Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
