Rhythm and Blues Xmas Concert Review: An Heartfelt Journey Returning to the Nineties
This yearly R&B Xmas Ball featured a roster of performers known for their holiday records. Instead of centering on seasonal songs, the night served as a nostalgic excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Starting Acts: Timeless Vibes
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying on screens behind them. Following this, a set of mostly slow jams from the artist Joe set the stage for the headlining acts.
Toni Braxton's Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last cleverly transitioned into He Wasn’t Man Enough, connecting Braxton's artistic heritage. Initially, her performance with a backing band appeared rooted in the era of her peak fame.
Then, deep into her performance, she opened up about her battles with lupus and being told she might not sing live again. Singing Breathe Again in a single spotlight, she gave a profoundly heartfelt performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated earnestly.
Power chords then catapulted the audience into Long As I Live, solidifying her grip over the crowd's emotions. She encored with an flawless, though slightly abridged, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Vocal Masters
Taking the stage in dazzlingly coordinated white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They moved through hits like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-part harmonies that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their performance included interpretations of inspirations, including a standout solo on Purple Rain, and tracks inspired by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Dash of Holiday Spirit
Towards the end, the concert turned to the holiday mood with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance concluded with a strong closing run of hits including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Impressions
While the night's production experienced some hiccups, and the sense at times was of artists performing a tribute to their younger selves, the net result was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving sprinkled with glitter rather than snow.
