R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger 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.
