Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs 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 show 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 evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
