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

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes

The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.

The Moving Set

The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters

Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.

Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.

A Touch of Holiday Cheer

Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Thoughts

While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.