R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions 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.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
