Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems 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 artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
