R&B Christmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists known for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic reason for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the main acts.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power 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, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the Christmas mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While the night's production had some glitches, and the sense at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
