Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong finale 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 had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
