R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
