R&B Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Trip Back to the Nineties
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of artists known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s displaying behind them. Next, a performance of mostly slow jams from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Performance
The opening of the song Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic legacy. Initially, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her greatest fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Performing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the audience's emotions. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly abridged, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way vocals that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday theme with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The show concluded with a strong finale of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
While 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 transformative. The audience was briefly transported to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than frost.
