R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
