Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
