Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Back to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the night served as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
