Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “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 audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
