R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
