Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations 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 Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas 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.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
