Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing 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 stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
