Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
