R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For 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 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 matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
