Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
