R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
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 gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.