R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.