R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd'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 strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations 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 Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.