R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
