R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as 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
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances 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 production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
