R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened 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 live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening 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.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
