Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful 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 feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
