R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared anchored in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included 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 Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
