Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
