Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong 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 technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
