Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
