Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed rooted in the era of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly coordinated 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 reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the evening's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
