R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece 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 concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
