R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
