Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended 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 had some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
