Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert Review: An Emotional Trip Back to the 90s
The second annual R&B Xmas Ball featured a lineup of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending sound of 1990s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching outfits, with music videos from the 2000s era playing behind them. Following this, a performance of primarily ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining artists.
Toni Braxton's Moving Performance
The beginning of the song Last Last skillfully transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her show with a live band seemed anchored in the time period of her peak success.
Then, nine songs into her set, she spoke about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing on stage again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly heartfelt moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the crowd into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both tight and responsive to their accompaniment.
Their set included covers of influences, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Finally, the evening turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a powerful closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
While the evening's production had some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their past selves, the net result was transportive. The crowd was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, going home sprinkled with glitter rather than frost.
