Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her show with a live band appeared rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, 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 deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
