Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
