Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers renowned for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a sentimental reason for a trip back to the sincere and emotional style of 1990s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated outfits, with videos from the 2000s displaying on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main artists.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her peak success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might not sing on stage again. Performing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a deeply emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the audience's emotions. She finished with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, 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
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at points was of stars performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was temporarily taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
