R&B Xmas Concert Recap: A Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of artists renowned for their Christmas albums. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in matching attire, with videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
The Moving Set
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set included interpretations of influences, including a memorable guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Cheer
Towards the end, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
Although the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
