R&B Xmas Ball Recap: An Heartfelt Trip Returning to the Nineties
The second annual Rhythm and Blues Christmas Concert featured a lineup of artists known for their holiday albums. Instead of focusing on carols, the evening served as a nostalgic reason for a voyage back to the earnest and heart-rending style of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Classic Vibes
Dru Hill presented iconic R&B in matching outfits, with videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Next, a set of mostly ballads from Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Moving Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical heritage. At first, her performance with a backing band seemed rooted in the era of her greatest success.
Then, nine songs into her performance, she spoke about her struggle with lupus and being told she might never perform live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she delivered a profoundly emotional moment. “For as long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she declared earnestly.
Driving guitar chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the crowd's hearts. She encored with an impeccable, though slightly shortened, rendition of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
The Group Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in strikingly matching all-white outfits, Boyz II Men began with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, showcasing breathtaking three-way harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their live band.
Their set featured covers of influences, including a memorable solo on Purple Rain, and tracks influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Christmas Spirit
Finally, the concert turned to the holiday theme with performances 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.
Overall Thoughts
Although the night's technical execution experienced some hiccups, and the sense at points was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the overall result was transformative. The audience was temporarily transported to the golden age of R&B, going home dusted with sparkle rather than snow.
