R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s

This yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings

The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.

The Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.

Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “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 emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos

Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.

Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.