Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
