Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
