R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and emotional sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill presented classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s era playing on screens behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her show with a backing band seemed anchored in the era of her greatest success.
Then, deep into her set, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a deeply heartfelt performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly coordinated all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the evening embraced the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home sprinkled with sparkle rather than frost.
