R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
