Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “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 command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations 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 Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
