Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their Christmas albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “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, solidifying her command 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: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
