R&B Xmas Concert Recap: An Heartfelt Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a trip back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Acts: Classic Feelings
Dru Hill presented classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining artists.
The Powerful Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's musical heritage. Initially, her show with a backing band appeared rooted in the time period of her greatest success.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the audience's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's production experienced some hiccups, and the feeling at times was of stars performing a tribute to their past 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.
