R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
