Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main 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 performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated 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 somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
