Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep 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 earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.