Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance 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 evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than snow.
