R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
