R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists renowned for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly 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, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.