Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece 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 concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
