Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo 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 Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
