Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s

The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.

Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Performance

The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.

However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live 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 declared earnestly.

Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos

Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.

Their set featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Dash of Christmas Spirit

Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful 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 had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.