Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For 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 crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching 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 precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
