Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to 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.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.