Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas 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.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
