Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began 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 reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
