Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of artists renowned for their holiday albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Powerful Performance
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a deeply heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of influences, such as a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the concert embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's technical execution had some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
