Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a standout solo 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 concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
