R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong 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 had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
