Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
