Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining 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 artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
