R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.