R&B Christmas Concert Recap: A Emotional Journey Back to the Nineties
The yearly R&B Xmas Ball showcased a roster of performers renowned for their Christmas records. Rather than focusing on seasonal songs, the night acted as a sentimental excuse for a voyage back to the sincere and emotional sound of 90s R&B.
Opening Performances: Classic Feelings
The group Dru Hill delivered iconic R&B in coordinated attire, with music videos from the 2000s era displaying behind them. Following this, a set of mostly ballads from Joe prepared the audience for the headlining acts.
The Powerful Set
The beginning of Burna Boy’s Last Last skillfully segued into He Wasn’t Man Enough, tying in Braxton's musical legacy. At first, her performance with a live band appeared anchored in the time period of her peak fame.
However, deep into her set, 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 delivered a profoundly emotional performance. “As long as I live, I will never forget tonight,” she stated sincerely.
Power chords then launched the audience into Long As I Live, cementing her command over the audience's hearts. She finished with an impeccable, though somewhat shortened, version of her iconic hit, Un-break My Heart.
Boyz II Men: Harmony Masters
Appearing on stage in dazzlingly matching white suits, Boyz II Men opened with Motownphilly. They performed classics like Water Runs Dry and On Bended Knee, demonstrating awe-inspiring three-way vocals that were both precise and reactive to their accompaniment.
Their set included interpretations of influences, such as a standout guitar piece on Purple Rain, and songs influenced by them, like Bruno Mars’s Locked Out of Heaven.
A Touch of Christmas Cheer
Towards the end, the evening turned to the holiday theme with renditions of Silent Night and Let It Snow. The performance ended with a strong closing run of anthems including One Sweet Day, I’ll Make Love To You, and End of the Road.
Overall Thoughts
Although the evening's technical execution experienced some glitches, and the sense at times was of artists paying homage to their younger selves, the overall effect was transportive. The audience was briefly taken back to the peak era of R&B, leaving dusted with glitter rather than snow.
