Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations 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 concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
