Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. 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 opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing 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 stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
