Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout 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 embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.