Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations 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 Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
