Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a live band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-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 live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, such as a memorable 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 holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
