R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their holiday records. Rather than centering on carols, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak success.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly coordinated white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included covers of inspirations, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall effect was transformative. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
