R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak 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 moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced 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
While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
