Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
