Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Recap: An Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their holiday albums. Instead of centering on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and heart-rending style of 1990s R&B.
Starting Performances: Timeless Feelings
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in coordinated attire, with videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a set of primarily ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her command over the crowd's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though slightly shortened, rendition of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Virtuosos
Taking the stage in dazzlingly matching all-white suits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing awe-inspiring three-part vocals that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance included covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Spirit
Towards the end, the evening embraced the Christmas theme 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.
Final Thoughts
While the night's technical execution had some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the overall result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the golden age of R&B, leaving dusted with sparkle rather than frost.
