R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, 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 tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
