R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's production had some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.