R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
