Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances 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 Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
