R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their Christmas albums. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Next, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of influences, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the net effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with glitter rather than frost.
