Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas 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 Thoughts
While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
