R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
