Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's production had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.