R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
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 Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
