R&B Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
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 solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
