Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
