Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “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 grip over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.