R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live 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 declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
