🔗 Share this article Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties The yearly Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B. Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts. Toni Braxton's Moving Performance The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest fame. However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely. Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart. Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band. Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven. A Dash of Holiday Cheer Finally, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road. Final Thoughts While the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.