Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
