R&B Christmas Concert Review: A Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a lineup of performers known for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a sentimental excuse for a trip back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in coordinated outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a performance of primarily slow jams from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the era of her greatest fame.
However, deep into her performance, she spoke 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 performance. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared sincerely.
Driving guitar chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Virtuosos
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance featured covers of inspirations, such as a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the Christmas mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded 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 experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of stars paying homage to their past selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with sparkle rather than snow.
