Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live 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.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended 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 night's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
