Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Returning to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from the artist Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak success.
However, deep into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the evening's production had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net effect was transportive. The crowd was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
