Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout 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 holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
