Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams 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, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
