Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted 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 perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar 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, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
