R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s

The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.

Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings

Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.

Toni Braxton's Moving Set

The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.

Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.

Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.

Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters

Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.

Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs 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 show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.

Final Impressions

While the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.