Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, 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, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
