Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood 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.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
