R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale 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 had some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
