R&B Xmas Concert Review: A Emotional Journey Back to the 90s
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers known for their holiday albums. Rather than focusing on carols, the evening acted as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the earnest and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
Dru Hill delivered classic R&B in matching attire, with music videos from the 2000s playing behind them. Following this, a performance of mostly ballads from the artist Joe set the stage for the main acts.
The Moving Performance
The opening of the song Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, nine songs into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might never sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a solitary beam of light, she delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “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 audience's emotions. She finished with an flawless, though somewhat abridged, version of her signature hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in strikingly matching white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and responsive to their live band.
Their performance featured interpretations of inspirations, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and songs inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Holiday Spirit
Finally, the concert embraced the holiday mood with performances of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong finale of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Final Impressions
Although the night's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the feeling at points was of stars paying homage to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The crowd was temporarily transported to the peak era of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
