Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
