Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing 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 audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
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 harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
