R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded 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 production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
