Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
