Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “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 grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly 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, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale 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 glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
