R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, 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 Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
