Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening 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. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep 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 single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, 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 Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
