Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits 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 stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
