R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak success.
Then, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured covers of inspirations, including 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 turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.