Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
