R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply emotional 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, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended 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 evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
