Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
