R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
