Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power 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 shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
