Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening 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 Impressions
While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
