R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
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 backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
