Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
