Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
The Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep 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 gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash 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 hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.