R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
