Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music 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.
The Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “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, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
