Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
