Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of primarily ballads from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform 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 crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
Although the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
