Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the night acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their live band.
Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.