Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Trip Returning to the 90s
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a sentimental reason for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both tight and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
