R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching 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 vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
