R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including 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
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions 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 Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
