Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened 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 interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
