Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
