Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
