Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, 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 crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
