R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened 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 influences, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
